The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club plans to run a five-part cyclocross series this winter, buoyed by the success of Queenstown's first cyclocross race last year.
The sport, popular in the northern hemisphere, sees riders on modified road bikes fitted with knobbly tyres racing on courses riddled with hills and obstacles that force them to carry their bikes at times.
Last year's national cyclocross championships, on a course constructed through Jardine Park in Kelvin Heights and surrounding fields, attracted about 60 competitors.
Club events co-ordinator Carey Vivian said the 2012 course would include Remarkables Park land near the Shotover River.
"The problem with Jardine [Park] last year was that it was a very dry course and we want to have something wetter this year. It would also be fantastic if we had some snow - the colder, wetter and more wintry it gets, the better." Mr Vivian hopes a slippery course will attract people keen to see thrills and spills.
"Rowdy spectators really make the sport, so we are hoping to get them along."
The five-race 2012 series is scheduled to start on June 17, with the second race being held as part of the Winter Festival programme on July 1.
It will also serve as the Queenstown leg of a six-part national series and could attract overseas riders.
