Carl Paton is passionate about cycling, and the sport in general is the focus of his research work.

EIT lecturer Dr Carl Paton was among the avid cyclists battling it out in New Zealand cyclocross’s most important racing event of the year.

An overcast day and the varied terrain provided good racing conditions for the New Zealand Cyclocross National Championships, held at EIT as part of the Napier Ride of Your Life weekend of cycling events.

The senior lecturer at EIT’s School of Recreation and Sport gained a third placing in the men’s masters race.

The sport dates back to the 1940s, Carl says, and precedes mountain bike riding by 40 to
50 years. Its greatest following is in western Europe – a recent world championship attracted 70,000 spectators.

New Zealand has some 200-plus riders and the sport, heavily promoted by the international body, has ballooned in popularity in recent times.

More than 100 cyclists took part in the races at EIT, including riders from the USA and Australia taking part in New Zealand’s inaugural national championship race.

“EIT provided an ideal venue and it was hugely spectator friendly. People were able to stand in the campus car parks and watch the entire event.”

It was a rare opportunity, Carl says, for locals to see a spectacular and increasingly popular sport at first-hand.