For the past two years we have sponsored the Velobike Summer Carnival. This was part of the Cambridge “Week of Speed” hosted by the Grassroots Trust Velodrome which would conclude with the New Zealand Grand Prix - a UCI Class 2 international competition.
This year we were excited to be title sponsors of the Altias New Zealand Grand Prix and the New Zealand International UCI Class 2 events.
Luke Blackwood (NZL) preparing for his Team Sprint final.
As outlined on our Our Story page, we aim to bridge the gap between professional teams and everyday track enthusiasts by making olympic-level equipment accessible to any one taking on the Olympics through to Amateurs looking to get into the sport. Another way where we like to give back to the community is through racing.
Oscar Nilsson-Julien (FRA) debuting the Altias Fusion.
The two-day event kicked off with the Altias New Zealand Grand Prix on Sunday, 7th December, followed by the Altias New Zealand International on Monday, 8th December. The packed schedule featured Team Sprint, Sprint, and Keirin races for the sprinters, alongside Points, Scratch, Elimination, and Madison races for the endurance riders. Para athletes also had their own competitions, including the 1000m Time Trial, Individual Pursuit, and Sprint.
Podium of the Altias NZ Grand Prix Mens B Individual Pursuit (Tandem).
Oscar Nilsson-Julien (FRA), men’s reserve for the French track cycling team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, shared his thoughts after the two days of racing:
Thanks to Altias Velobike for putting on the NZ International & Grand Prix C2 racing at the Grassroots Vélodrome. I personally couldn't have raced without their support, letting me use their new frameset & front wheel.It was great to get stuck in, surrounded by a quality field of Japanese & Kiwi riders. Even managed to crash test the bike in the Madison. I think my highlight was winning the first points race with a laps lead. Since I was racing as the only Frenchman, I had zero pressure so I could enjoy all the races and make all the mistakes I wanted. Also was fortunate enough to have a solid pusher and mechanic for the week @Tait. Hopefully I'll be back next year to test the 2026 frameset ;)
Luke Blackwood (NZL) and Azizulhasni Awang (MAS)
Hear from Craig Rodger, Head of Programmes and Coaching at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome:
A huge thank you to Altias Velobike for their outstanding support of the Altias NZ Grand Prix and the International Class 2 event. Your backing makes racing of this calibre possible, and it truly showed on track. It was an absolute showcase of what world-class riders and cutting-edge equipment can deliver at the highest level.
The racing was fast, hard-fought, and incredibly exciting–some of the best we have seen in New Zealand since the last World Cup here in 2018. Fittingly, it was the Altias riders leading the way, just as Glenn and the team at Altias and Velobike continue to lead global innovation and development in track cycling.
PlayCreative and Local elite BMX racer Bennett Greenough, were on hand to capture the action throughout the weekend. All images featured in this blog are courtesy of their work.
Another highlight of the weekend were the trophies, crafted from pieces of the Cambridge track combined with our Velobike track sprockets.
George Jackson, Marshall Erwood & Lucas Murphy (NZL) riding the Altias Fusion.
The event brought together riders from a range of nations, including France, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and New Zealand. As a UCI Class 2 event, it also provided an important opportunity for riders to begin accumulating UCI points.
Oscar Nilsson-Julien (FRA).
Making its race debut, the Altias Fusion quickly proved its capabilities, with riders securing wins and podiums and consistently racing at the front across both sprint and endurance events. A wide range of Velobike components was also well represented throughout the weekend, contributing to strong performances across the board.
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