Rain forecast for annual Boxing Day criterium

Rain looks set to once again hit an annual Timaru Boxing Day cycle race.

According to the MetService, like last year, the weather gods are not going to be kind to those competing in the Boxing Day criterium cycle races.

The race through Timaru’s inner city starts at 5.30pm with four grades, plus an under-17 category.

Darren Cuthbertson, president of the newly formed Cycling South Canterbury, said it was hard to know who was going to turn up on the day.

He said he expected last year’s A-grade winner – Bailey O’Donnell of Ashburton, who was also a world junior track champion this year, to attempt a title defence.

Cuthbertson said competitor numbers usually depended on the weather.

‘‘There’s a big contingent coming down from Christchurch, weather permitting,’’ he said. ‘‘If it’s a dry course, it’s one of the best criterium courses in the country. Everyone raves about it once the racing’s done.’’

MetService meteorologist James Millward said while the South Island was the place to be on Christmas Day, it would have a more ‘‘showery flavour’’ on Boxing Day.

Timaru can expect fine weather and 21 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day, with a southerly change and a few showers on Boxing Day.

Last year’s victory was an impressive feat for O’Donnell, who punctured during a race that also featured Tour de France cyclist Shane Archbold and Rio Olympian Dylan Kennett.