14/10/2026
YUNCA 2026 — A PERSONAL THANK YOU
Well, what a weekend!
Now that the dust has settled on the 2026 YUNCA Junior Tour of Southland, the Secondary Schools National and South Island Championships and the National Track Series, I wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year's event possible.
Taking on the role of Tour Director this year has been a huge experience for me. I've learned an incredible amount, met some fantastic people, and gained a whole new appreciation for just how much goes into delivering an event like this.
And one thing has become very clear; you simply cannot do it without good people around you.
To our commissaires, officials, marshals, drivers, mechanics, volunteers and everyone working behind the scenes, thank you.
Some of you have been involved with this Tour for years, and the knowledge, experience and willingness to help that you bring is invaluable. Whether you were out on the road, helping at a start or finish line, or quietly making things happen in the background, please know that your contribution was genuinely appreciated.
To our sponsors and supporters, thank you for continuing to believe in this event and the opportunities it creates for young cyclists. Without your generosity and support, weekends like this simply wouldn't happen.
A special thank you to Rob and the team at Wensley Cycles
You went well above and beyond throughout the Tour.
From repairing bikes after hours to lending out a spare bike to keep a rider racing, nothing seemed to be too much trouble.
It's one thing to support an event as a sponsor, but it's another to roll up your sleeves and do whatever it takes to help young riders stay on the road and keep chasing their goals.
Rob and the team, your generosity, kindness and willingness to go that extra mile made a real difference, and I can't thank you enough.
Another very special thank you to Sam and the entire Yunca Heating team.
Not only has YUNCA been such a wonderful supporter of this event over the years, but the hospitality you showed everyone at our final stage was absolutely fantastic.
From firing up the barbecue and putting on an awesome sausage sizzle and burgers, to making sure the riders had some well-earned fizzy drinks after three big days of racing, you helped make the final stage a really special occasion.
Sam and the team, thank you for opening your doors, looking after everyone and helping us finish YUNCA 2026 on such a positive note. Your generosity and hospitality were genuinely appreciated!
To the parents, families and coaches who travelled from across New Zealand and Australia, thank you for making the journey south, for your patience, encouragement and support, and for being part of what makes this Tour so special.
And finally, to the riders.
You are the reason we do this.
Watching you push yourselves, compete, support one another and give everything you had across six stages was an absolute privilege.
There were some incredible performances, but what stood out to me just as much was the determination, resilience and sportsmanship on display throughout the weekend. I also want to thank all of the riders and supporters who made the effort to come and shake hands and thank us for their weekend, those little things really touched my heart
I hope you all went home with something special — whether that was a jersey, a podium finish, a new friendship, a lesson learned, or simply a memory that stays with you for years to come.
There are always things we can learn and improve, and I know we'll take plenty away from this year's Tour. But I also know that we have something pretty special here in Southland, and it's worth continuing to build on.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me along the way, answered my questions, offered advice, stepped up when something needed doing, or simply checked in to see how things were going.
Your support meant more than you probably realise.
It's been an honour to play a part in the history of this event, and I sincerely hope everyone who joined us enjoyed the experience.
From me personally, thank you for making YUNCA 2026 a weekend to remember.
40 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS. WHO'S NEXT?
After seeing the talent, courage and determination on display this year, I think the future of cycling is in pretty good hands.
Brian Horwell
Tour Director
2026 YUNCA Junior Tour of Southland ❤️
