K2 – 2,300 metres of screaming descent !

The K2 is the toughest one day cycle challenge in the Southern Hemisphere ! It is also one of the most scenic and varied with the route traveling through sub tropical forest, pacific coastlines, rural farmland and the Puhutakawa coastline of the Hauraki Gulf.

The event is named after Kuaotunu, an enchanting community on the wild eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula. In Maori, the name Kuaotunu means “to inspire fear in young animals” ! The 2 represents the almost 200km that the ride will cover. By coincidence K2 is the 2nd highest, and probably the most difficult to climb, mountain in the World.

The event is also unique in that it comprises of four continuous stages and starts in a new town each year.

This years race marks the 9th anniversary of the K2 and this year the race will start in Coromandel and travel in an anticlockwise direction through, Thames, Tairua, Whitianga and back to Coromandel

Stage	Stage Name	Route	Distance Km’s
1	Kerata	Coromandel – Thames	53
2	Kopu-Hikuai	Thames - Tairua	53
3	Coroglen	Tairua - Whitianga	43
4	Kuaotunu	Whitianga to Coromandel	43
Total Distance			192 km

The K2 has two starts:

The K2 Mens Elite Race – Starts at 7:45am This race is for professional and semi professional riders who are likely to complete the K2 course in less than 6 hours.

The K2 – Main Race – Starts at 8.00am This race is for the weekend warriers and recreational riders.

The race is limited to riders of 16 and over. 

Categories 

• Junior 3 - (16-18 years)
• Under 23
• Senior
• Masters (35-44)
• Vets (45-54)
• Classics (55-64)
• Vintage (65+)

Team Categories

• Tandem Team
• Relay Team of 2   (each rider does one half of the course)