Taupō Hill Climb Series 2026
Five stages, five weeks — ride each Strava segment during its open week and submit your time. Your best four of five results count toward the season total, scored both on raw time (Standy Points) and an age/weight-adjusted handicap (Handy Points). Plus, during the final week, earn the Mad Dawg badge by riding all five stages in one ride.
Entry to the 2026 THCS is complimentary, covered by the Taupo Cycling Club. Stage 1's Strava segment is live now. Stages 2 to 5 are revealed at 6pm the Sunday before their open week, but you can get a good guess from the stats below. Stages 2, 3, and 5 are gravel — bring the right tyres.
Stage 1 is live. Stages 2 to 5 reveal Sundays at 6pm, the evening before that week opens.
Stage 1
Like a record baby; right round, round, round
2 Nov – 8 Nov
Stage 2
Open nowIt's a long way to the top..
9 Nov – 15 Nov
Stage 3
Dammit
16 Nov – 22 Nov
Stage 4
L'Arte up
23 Nov – 29 Nov
Stage 5
Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a gas!
30 Nov – 6 Dec
Clubs (Handy)
Handy points, all 5 stages, top 6 riders per stage count · 3 clubsTop Clubs uses Handy Points and counts all 5 stages — consistency counts here, even if your own individual best-4 drops one.
| # | Club | Riders | Handy Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taupo MTB Club | 3 | 284 |
| 2 | Taupō Cycle Club | 2 | 280 |
| 3 | Tri Sport Taupo | 1 | 167 |