The three-day event based at Fairview Hall is shaping up to be the biggest Cycling South Canterbury has hosted.
Organising committee member Wayne Morris said more than 330 riders from 82 schools had registered to compete.
"We’re pretty happy with that entry. Normally for events in the South Island that can be a little less.
"Cycling New Zealand, who will be running the event, said they are also more than happy with the numbers. It’s probably about 30 less than what the North Island got last year."
The championships will feature competitors ranging from under-13 to under-20.
The 13 and 14-year age group will do one 20km lap of the Fairview Hall course, and all others bar the under-20 males will do 40km. The under-20 males will do 60km.
The largest entry is in the under-20 males, in which 53 riders are registered to compete.
The action will start on Sunday with the individual road races at Fairview Hall followed by the team trial on Monday (also at Fairview) and a points race at Levels International Motor Raceway on Tuesday.
Mr Morris said the courses would be both interesting and testing for the riders.
"The cream is always going to rise to the top, but I think we’ve got a pretty fair course for everybody.
"We have 55 teams registered for the time trial. We have two events: the under-13 boys and girls will do 12km which is from the hall to Whalebones and back [and] the rest of them will do 20km, which is from the hall to Cliffs Rd and back.
"It will be a pretty tough teams time trial, especially on the way out. It will be fast.
"They race for the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy which is the most prestigious event of the day."
There is set to be strong contingent of South Canterbury riders hoping to win big in their back yard.
Timaru Boys’ High School student Noah Hollamby will be leading the charge in the under-20 men’s grade.
The 18-year-old is fresh off a stint competing in Europe and an impressive showing in the recent Twizel to Timaru Classic.
Charlie Quested, from Roncalli College, will also be one to watch in the under-20 men’s grade as he looks to build on a strong 2024 showing.
In the under-20 women’s grade, Kyra Marett will be looking to build on her win in the recent Cuddon School tour in Blenheim, and in the under-17 boys’ race Connor Toomey and Jesse Johnston will be looking to impress.
Craighead Diocesan School’s Olivia Ewing will also be looking to put in a strong performance in the under-17 girls’ bracket.
Mr Morris said the championships would provide a great place for spectators to see the next generation of Kiwi cyclists.
"We might see the next Aaron Gate, George Bennett or Laurence Pithie — all those guys who are now riding on the pro circuit overseas started out here with school racing.
"It’s a breeding ground for the next lot of pros so the more spectators the better. Get out there and have a look."
