Police are in attendance at an incident where a person has died after falling from a mountain bike in Woodhill Forest, near Muriwai this afternoon.

Police were called to the scene at about 12.33pm.

Sadly, despite medical assistance being provided, the rider has died at the scene.

Our thoughts are with the rider’s family and friends at this difficult time.

The full circumstances of the incident are being investigated and will form part of the coronial inquiries.

For the third time in five years, the mountain biking scene’s fastest couple dominated New Zealand’s premier mountain bike race.

Established in 1986, the Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic is the longest running mountain bike race in the Southern Hemisphere. Based in Upper Hutt’s rugged Akatarawa Ranges near Wellington, the course is an old-school adventure ride featuring huge hills and river crossings amid remote, rugged and historic forest trails.

This year, riders also had to cope with Covid postponements to turn out two months later than normal. That didn’t deter husband and wife, Kyle Ward and Samara Sheppard. When borders opened again, the Australian-based professionals were among the first to hop a plane for a few weeks of mountain biking that included repeat wins in New Zealand’s original mountain bike race.

Under ideal conditions and on a dry track, Ward, the defending men’s champion, was back in search of a fourth title. If attained he would equal New Zealand’s original mountain bike legend Jon Hume, who won on four consecutive years between 1991 and 1994. But as much as the Australian has been the winningest rider in recent years, claiming the top spot on 2017, 2019 and 2021, he has also experienced close losses and used that experience to guide him in his goal of matching Hume.

In a field stacked with up-and-coming young talent, the 30-year-old started conservatively and then attacked on the first major climb of the course, up Deadwood Ridge. From there the win was never in doubt and in fact the top four placing stayed unchanged through most of the 50k, with Ward winning his fourth title in 2hrs 15min 58secs.

“That one felt pretty hard,” said Ward after winning by almost four minutes. In the past I had been pushed really hard in the final climb up Dopers Hill, and I wasn’t sure I’d manage that this time. So I tried getting away early and seeing if I could stay away.”

Behind the winner, Rotorua’s Connor Johnstone claimed second in 2hrs 19min 32secs, followed by Palmerston North’s Adam Francis and Wellingtonians Callum Kennedy and Connor Alison, who at just 16 years of age came from ninth place early on to claim fifth.

The women’s race followed a similar pattern, for a different reason. Sheppard, the winner here in 2017 and 2019, is the only woman to have broken 2hrs 30min on Karapoti’s gruelling 50k. Set in 2019, it’s a record that many consider unbeatable.

But in 2021 she did prove beatable when finishing second to visiting Namibian Olympian Michelle Vorster. So in 2022 youngsters Sammie Maxwell and Amy Emma Bateup tried to take the race to the favourite.

Maxwell is the current national champion, while Bateup is arguably New Zealand’s best all-round rider across all genres. But Maxwell had prior form at Karapoti. Two years ago, at just 18 years of age, she broke Sheppard’s 12-year-old junior record by 10min, and with her national title form was considered mostly likely to upset the favourite.

The two youngsters put the pressure on from the start, charging through Karapoti’s famous Leman’s style start across the Akatarawa River. Sheppard got caught napping and found herself 30 seconds off the pace after just 5min. But the experience of the 31-year-old shone through and she gradually gathered them in over the next 10k before attacking on the same climb up Deadwood Ridge that her husband had used to open up his lead.

From there the race was won and the Australian-based but Wellington-born Sheppard claimed her third title by nine minutes in 2hrs 44min 19secs. Behind her, Maxwell claimed second in 2hrs 53min 43secs and was followed by Bateup and Wellington’s Mary Anne Moller.

Other highlights of the 37th Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic included Upper Hutt doctor, Alister Rhodes, finishing for the 30th time at age 80 and 1988 winner, Simon Kennett, riding with his daughter Miro on a tandem and 10 year old Amelia Burkhart becoming the youngest ever female to finish New Zealand’s longest running mountain bike race.

In 2023 the 38th Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic is scheduled for Saturday 4th March. Full results for 2022 can be found at: www.karapoti.co.nz/history

When the Gazley ŠKODA Karapoti Classic lines up on Sunday, Samara Sheppard and Kyle Ward will once again be vying for the title as mountain biking’s fastest husband and wife.

Established in 1986, the Gazley ŠKODA Karapoti Classic is renowned as the longest running mountain bike race in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Australian-based husband and wife have both won it before. The Australian-born Ward in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while the Wellington-born Sheppard claimed 2017 and 2019. Sheppard is also the women’s race record holder, while Ward has the second fastest ever time behind only Kiwi Olympian Anton Cooper.

Ward has a shot at making history in 2022. As well as being capable of breaking Cooper’s record, he also has a shot at becoming only the second man to win Karapoti four times. That title belongs to New Zealand’s first legend of mountain biking, Jon Hume, who took four consecutive wins at Karapoti between 1991 and 1994. Hume’s final win in 2hrs 22min was a record that stood for 12 years, so matching his four titles will put Ward toward the top of Karapoti’s hall of fame.

Despite Ward’s chance of a piece of Karapoti history, it the best actual race is expected to be among women. In 2019 Samara Sheppard set a record of 2hrs 29min 13secs that many consider untouchable. Only 2020 winner, Kate McIlroy, has come within 10min of it. But if that record can ever be broken it might be this year thanks to a fast track and promising weather forecast combining with first class competition in current Kiwi number one, Sammie Maxwell.

The Taupo 21-year-old has interesting history of her own at Karapoti. In 2020 she broke Sheppard’s 2007 junior record when finishing second to Kate McIlroy. But in the two years since she has improved vastly and her recent win at the national championship illustrated the form to claim her first win at New Zealand premier mountain bike event.

Almost 500 riders from all ends of New Zealand have waited two months longer than normal to line up for the 37th anniversary Gazley ŠKODA Karapoti Classic. Normally held annually in March, for the second consecutive year it was caught up in covid restrictions.

“The last two years haven’t been great for anyone,” says Jacques. “But the event industry has been one of the most consistently impacted by covid. Even now, we’re allowed to hold events but the rise in covid cases means we’re only getting two-thirds of our normal turnout.

“But you know, the reason events like Karapoti exist is because people like to challenge themselves. So if they’re up for the challenge, then we’ll organise it for them.”

Indeed, few mountain bike races are as challenging as the Gazley ŠKODA Karapoti Classic. The feature 50k is a savagely scenic tour around the Akatarawa Ranges complete with river crossings, huge hills, knee-deep bogs and wall to wall scenery. Key elements such as The Rock Garden, Devil's Staircase and Big Ring Boulevard are spoken in hushed tones of nervous anticipation and misty, sometimes bloody, memories.

Local riders Alistair Rhodes, Peter Schmitz, Francis Hoen and Marco Renall know this better than most. If they finish all four will have clocked up 30 or more Karapoti finishes. Rhodes, at age 80, will be the eldest starter ever, an irony that is not lost on him as he was also the eldest in the inaugural 1986 event.

The 37th Gazley ŠKODA Karapoti Classic gets underway from Karapoti Park in Upper Hutt on Sunday at 9:00am. As well as the feature 50k Classic there is also the 20k Challenge and Kids 5k Klassic. Visit www.karapoti.kiwi.

Coronet Peak is getting ready to wrap up its third successful summer season this weekend.

Despite the complications Covid brought, the 2021/22 season has seen an increase in visitors and mountain bikers.

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr has been thrilled with the growing interest in the mountain’s summer offerings.

“Summer at the Peak is about being a recreational hub for all users. This summer our five-day-a-week model worked really well for us as we were able to reach into all areas of the community” Kerr says.

Upper Rude Rock trail, built by the team at Dirttec, opened this season which proved to be very popular and added to the range of trail types available. The trail links in with the infamous Rude Rock trail allowing riders one massive 1200m trip to the valley floor – understood to be the longest single track decent in the country.

The new shuttle bus service running from Station Road on the hour was greatly received by the public and also helped to reduce parking congestion at the bottom of Hot Rod trail.

Coronet Peak’s jam-packed events calendar was impacted by Covid later in the season, but many mountain biking events were still able to go ahead.

Some of the highlights included Coro 1200, held with the Queenstown Mountain Biking Club, the National’s Downhill round and most recently the Otago/Southland Mountain Biking Schools Championships which saw great representation from around the region. 

A lot of resource went into trail maintenance this year, which has been well received by riders, Kerr says.

“It’s been another great season and we’re always looking for ways to improve and bring new things to the table. We’ve got big plans for next year and we’ll just keep getting better and better.”

Coronet Peak’s winter season kicks off on June 17 and this year will celebrate its 75th anniversary as New Zealand’s first commercial ski field. 

The 2021/22 season closes April 3, 2022 and the 2022/23 summer season will open on December 10, 2022.

A brand new team has been launched to springboard NZ XC Mountainbike talent to the world stage.

The “Kiwi MTB Collective'' will assemble in Motueka this week for their first training camp, ahead of an exciting (and busy) season in 2022. 

With signings headlined by leading NZ Elite athletes Josie Wilcox and Cameron Jones; the team features no less than 13 talented individuals across it’s international, and domestic squads.The new project will support talented cross-country MTB  athletes stepping onto the global stage. Breaking down barriers and smoothing the path to success internationally for developing young riders throughout New Zealand.

The brainchild of Motueka’s Scott Woods, and with the backing of Talley’s, the team will help riders access the support, knowledge, guidance, and funding required to get overseas, and achieve their potential. Through his support of son Ethan (the current U17 National Champion), Woods has seen first hand how difficult it can be competing at the highest levels.

“We’ve seen how hard things can be, and not just the racing. In some ways that's the easy bit. The Kiwi MTB Collective was formed on the basis of providing riders the opportunities and support they need to perform to the best of their ability” explains Scott Woods, founder and team manager of The Kiwi MTB Collective.

“Having mulled on the idea for some time, I put a post up on a Facebook page asking for advice on the best way to start a UCI registered (union cycling international) team for young mountain bike riders wanting to race internationally. The response was overwhelming. Immediately we had support and advice a multitude of coaches, past racers, sponsors and industry organisations sharing their experience”

Until now, young kiwi athletes have often been faced with multiple barriers to participation. To race at World Cup level, rider entry has to pass through Cycling New Zealand administration, unless the rider is on a UCI registered trade team. Policy and procedures out of the athletes control, that in recent times has sometimes led to riders missing out. Despite the fact that rider travel and competition is self-funded anyway. A frustrating scenario that Kiwi MTB Collective aims to solve.

The team aims to bring riders together who have similar goals and motivations. Assisting in everything from providing logistical support and planning; to shared travel, accommodation, and race support. Creating a shared experience in a supportive, collaborative environment. 

Competition on the World stage can be a daunting prospect. Financially, and emotionally. But the Kiwi MTB Collective aims to smooth the process. Minimising the challenges the athletes face, and easing the journey to international success. 

As Woods explains “Once we knew we could get a team together, I put out an EOI (expressions of interest) to local riders. Asking them to submit their goals, current results and why they’d like to be part of the team. The responses from riders came in thick and fast and the interest was almost overwhelming. It showed we are on the right track, and as a result we’ve also managed to form a national level development team of younger athletes. Aiming to compete domestically alongside the international roster, who will focus on a 2022 international campaign focusing on world cup and european racing”.

“It’s been a really busy period to get everything lined up but the amount of people that support the idea highlights the genuine need for something like this. With the many people each having input and knowledge around their niche areas - we’ve covered a lot in a short amount of time” Says Scott.

Former NZ representative, Mark Leishman (or Cabin as he’s widely  known in the biking fraternity) echoes Scott's comments.

“What Scott has started is amazing. It’s the sort of thing I’ve thought about for years, so coming on board as the head coach was a no-brainer. It’s something tangible I could do to share thoughts and guidance on what to expect on the international scene. I’ve been in their shoes, and it’s not easy. There’s is a big jump to the European races, but it’s manageable, so it’s about making that jump smaller and easier.”

Leishman is especially excited by the depth of opportunities the team is providing. “It’s really exciting for me that not only has the team included the domestic development team of younger athletes; but also that we’ve got such a strong female representation. It’s such a great opportunity to showcase what is possible, and inspire others to give things a crack.” 

The Kiwi MTB Collective has already received really positive support from the business community. Family owned frozen goods business Talley’s has come on board to provide initial sponsorship to the team to get it up and running for this season. Allowing Scott to turn the idea and concept into reality in the matter of weeks. 

The Kiwi MTB Collective is always on the lookout for appropriate partnerships to help ensure riders can access the support necessary to race at the elite levels. If you believe you may be able to help, or simply have ideas, please email Scott directly on kiwimtbcollective@gmail.com or visit the website.

In the meantime, keep your eyes on team media for updates throughout the season on their adventures, and successes. The full rider list, news and updates on the team can be found at www.kiwimtbcollective.co.nz

ENDS

As the dust settles (and mud dries) on a hectic autumn period of racing, clear contenders have emerged for the recently relaunched NZ MTB Crown national series. 

As the traditional winter pause in racing action looms, athletes will be training and preparing with a renewed focus. The incentive of an NZ Crown title, the first national series available in recent memory, is driving many of New Zealand’s best performing MTB athletes to produce their best throughout the year.

Whilst the NZ Crown offers both Endurance (XC) and Gravity (Enduro) titles, it is the endurance side where the early intrigue has been. With 6 of 9 events now complete, the contenders have begun to separate themselves from the field.

On the women's side, the premier Open category has highlighted the value of strong consistent results. The events to date have showcased dominant rides by standout riders such as  Kate McIlroy, Olympic bound Michelle Vorster, and former national champion Sonia Foote. However it is Rotorua’s Amy Haddon who has taken a stranglehold on the series.

Her win in the T42, backed up by consistent points scoring across the series, have seen her build a solid 300 point lead over Anita Goodman, whose own consistency has in turn built a strong lead on 3rdplace Gabby Buchanan. 

On the contrary, the U19 women's category couldn’t be closer. Currently led by Whakatane’s Amy Humpherson and Wellington’s Lara Comesky, 5 riders are separated by a mere 70 points. With both Zoe Christie and Emma Clipstone posed to pounce, this battle will go down to the wire.

Rotorua’s Sonia Foote has emerged as the favourite for the Masters title. A course record at Karapoti (on route to 4thoverall), and an overall victory at the Craters Classic have cemented her at the top of the standings. A position she will look to strengthen further at the upcoming Forest Festival Winter MTB Classic

For the men, while clear favourites have emerged, most categories are poised to go down to the wire when the series wraps up with the “Taniwha” event in November.

 Vet (50+) men is the only category where things appear to be all but wrapped up. Hawkes Bay’s Kent Wilson has been on a tear, building an almost unassailable lead over Shaun Portegys. A near perfect score of 2450 points means Wilson can wrap up the title with a steady ride in August’s Winter Classic. 

The Open men are led by Hawkes Bay’s Phil Murphy. Consistent top 5 performances have seen him firmly established as the NZ Crown leader. Cemented by a huge effort completing the T42, and Karapoti double header in one weekend, finishing top 5 in both. Building a healthy 210 point lead on young Auckland standout Matthew Wilson.

 However Wilson has been the dominant domestic rider in recent months, reeling  off a string of victories across the Highlander, T42, and Craters Classic.  If he can keep his form going, and keep chipping away at Murphy’s lead, it will all come down to who can conquer the Taniwha.

U19 men features an intriguing battle between friends and training partners Charlie Millington (Rotorua) and James Officer (Taupo). They opened their respective NZ Crown accounts with victory at the Prospector where they rode as teammates. Since then they have battled consistently, with Millington opening up a narrow 100 point lead over Officer.  As athlete’s who know each other's strengths (and weaknesses) inside out, theirs will be a battle to watch.

As will the fight for Master’s glory. Whilst Auckland’s Stuart Holder has banked consistently strong rides to sit atop the rankings, he has only the slimmest margin for error as singlespeed legend Garth Weinberg hunts him down. Regularly at the sharp end of any field, Weinberg’s performance at the Craters Classic saw him close to a mere 30 points behind Holder. And neither can afford a slip up, as well performed Hamilton rider Shane Vincent lurks well within striking distance in 3rd.

All eyes will now turn to Rotorua on August 8th, and the Winter Classic, when we’ll see if the early standouts will cement their standing. Or whether surprises will emerge from the field?

For further information, and to check the standings, check out https://nzcrown.co.nz/main_page

Bike Barn has partnered with AA to bring Kiwi customers discounts across their entire range of products, simply by being a registered member with AA. Members are able to show their card while shopping in one of Bike Barn’s stores, or they can enter the number online at the checkout to earn a 10% discount on all bikes, or 20% off of parts, accessories, footwear and apparel.

New Zealand’s favourite motoring association has partnered with Bike Barn because they believe in creating a more eco-friendly, healthy, sustainable New Zealand. By getting Kiwis onto the roads with a bike instead of a car for their commute, they are helping to drastically reduce emissions across the country. They also believe in helping out with nationwide health by promoting exercise in the great Kiwi outdoors.

Anyone with a membership wanting to buy a bike can enjoy the 10% discount on any products not already on sale. Furthermore, if the 10% discount falls below the price of any bikes for sale in NZ then AA members will pay the lower of the two prices, so they’re always getting a good deal no matter what.

or Bike Barn customers who already own a bike and want to keep it in tip-top shape, they can use their AA membership to get a free annual bronze-level bike service (valued at $69). Their bike will have its gears, brake pads, derailleur hanger and chain checked out by a professional for wear and tear, as well as a frame cleaning to keep rust from building up. This keeps them safe while riding, and also prevents any costly repairs coming up where maintenance could have kept them away.

If you would like to learn more about the AA and Bike Barn collaboration, or if you would like to browse the best online bike shop in NZ, follow the link below.

https://www.bikebarn.co.nz/aa-member-benefit

Hot on the heels of winning Rotorua’s favourite activity destination (The Hits’ Top Shop and Must Do competition), Skyline Rotorua has announced not one but two special offers available exclusively at the Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show (12 – 14 July).

For the last decade, Rotorua locals have been able to snap up a bargain on a Gondola Annual Pass with a buy one year, get one year free special offer.

But this year for the first time mountain bike enthusiasts will be able to purchase a 40 uplift pass for just $80.

“Due to popular demand, in 2019 we’ve decided to share the love with all mountain bikers by customising an offer just for them,” says Skyline Rotorua sales and marketing manager, Andrew Aitken. “Normally $115 for 40 uplifts, we’re offering the same 40 uplift pass for just $80.”

In a country famous for its great mountain biking, Rotorua boasts some of New Zealand finest trails with riders from all over the world flocking to ride them.

Among the many adrenalin-packed activities available at Skyline is a mountain bike park featuring a 12-kilometre trail network accessible via an all season gondola-assisted bike lift. 

Skyline Rotorua’s Gondola Annual Passes will also be available at the Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show from 12 – 14 July at the Energy Events Centre, with the popular special offer: buy one year, get one year free.

“Our biggest uptake of passes comes from the Rotorua Home Show, which Skyline has been attending for over 10 years,” says Aitken.

“Over the three days of the show, we sell more than 2,000 passes, with people wanting to take advantage of the special deal which sees them get two years’ access for the price of one.”

The Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show is a three-day event that brings thousands through the doors of the Energy Events Centre. Make sure this one’s on your calendar to take advantage of the Skyline offer, along with hundreds of other deals available exclusively at the Show.

Ends

For more information about Skyline Rotorua, visit www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua

It was a day of fresh faces and race best performances as Josie Wilcox and Edwin Crossling dominated the 11th edition of the Whaka 100 MTB Marathon on Sunday.

Manawatu based Josie Wilcox has completed her march to the top of the NZ Crown National MTB rankings, taking over the #1 sport with a superb performance taking out the prestigious Whaka 100 on Sunday.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest one-day MTB races in New Zealand (if not the southern hemisphere), Wilcox made a mockery of her rookie status as she simply rode away from the start leaving her rivals to fight over 2nd place as she mixed it with the top men.

“I didn't want to go too hard because I haven't really ridden over five hours before, but I think I paced it pretty good.” A humble Wilcox would say at the finish line. ‘Pretty good’ was very good. On a course arguably even tougher than last year, Wilcox finish time of 6hr12min sliced more than 30min from the previous course best set by Kim Hurst. Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that Wilcox crossed the line an outstanding 12th overall in a field of nearly 200

"I was really happy, I trained pretty hard for it. It was wicked, there was heaps of climbing, heaps of descending, it was awesome.”  

Christchurch’s Jeanette Gerrie improved on her own 2016 performance by more than half an hour, but even that was no answer to the imperious form of Wilcox. Gerrie would finish a lonely 2nd, ahead of fellow Manawatu rider Sarah Haddon taking third in 07:03:30.

While Wilcox was stunning on debut, it was one of the Whaka’s most popular veterans taking a fairly-tale maiden win in his 5th attempt at the distance.

Wellington rider Edwin Crossling had been affectionately dubbed “the fastest man to never win the Whaka” prior. Three previous 2nd place finishes had Crossling determined to shake off the bridesmaid tag.

However come race day, the likeable Wellingtonian showed all his experience as he stuck to his game plan, showing restraint early, before dominating the back half of the race to secure a hard earned win ahead of Cambridge’s Cosmo Bloor. Australian endurance racing legend Jason English rounding out the podium in third.

"My one and only goal for this weekend was to win today” said a relieved Crossling at the finish. “This is pretty much top of the list, in terms of mountain biking it's the one I wanted to get because it really is so hard. I've done lots of other cool races, New Zealand has heaps of cool events, but this is the one I really wanted."

Bloor put up a strong fight, riding wheel to wheel at the head of the race for the first 50km, but ultimately had to submit to the relentless tempo set by Crossling.

The current #1 on NZ Crown national rankings, Crossling has won many of New Zealand’s biggest races. But nothing compares to the Whaka. "There was so much climbing today, it really is the hardest race that I have ever done. I've done a lot of road races and mountain bike races around the world – but it is just brutal.” But he’d clearly learnt from his previous attempts at the race.

"It just went perfect today, I stuck to my plan, nutrition, everything went just as I wanted and I felt great the whole day," Crossling said.

One of the toughest indeed, the Whaka 100 truly lives up to its reputation.

For the full results go to http://whaka100.co.nz/results.html

ENDS

“One of the toughest”. The tag line of the Whaka 100. It’s a bold claim, but one that few competitors would argue with.

The gruelling MTB endurance event, now in its 11th edition, boasts an exclusive club of previous champions. But this year will see new champion’s crowned. With high calibre fields entered, just who inks their names in the record books will have truly earnt that title. One of the toughest. 

The demands of the Whaka 100 are legendary, and almost unrivalled in New Zealand (or for that matter Australasian) MTB racing. While the distance is not unusual, it is the fabled trails of the Whakarewarewa Forest that make it so tough. Raced over 104km on a course comprised predominantly of technical singletrack, it is gruelling event both physically, and mentally.

In reality, there are in fact two races going on. First, there is the official race. The one against all the other competitors. Then there is the second; the race against yourself. A mental battle to push through difficulties and challenges and conquer them.  The Whaka is an event where small mistakes have big consequences. And one where experience usually triumphs over pure speed.

With that knowledge, event director Tim Farmer is picking Wellingtons Ed Crossling as the favourite for the Men’s. No stranger to Rotorua trails, Crossling has been a standout performer on the NZ scene in recent years. One of the strongest and most consistent riders in the country he retains the NZ MTB Crown #1 ranking. With three previous runner-up finishes, Crossling is determined to make 2017 his year. 

But he won’t have it all his own way. 7-time World 24hr Champion Jason English is flying in from Australia highly motivated to become the first international holder of the Whaka 100 title. 3rd place on debut last year, English learned from his experience and will be determined to move up the podium on Sunday. And the dark horse? Cambridge’s Cosmo Bloor. The surprise of the 2017 Winter Series as he took 2 wins from 3 races, Bloor will be hoping to translate that confidence and form into the longer distance.

For the women, the form book points to one lady. Manwatu’s Josie Wilcox.

The latest cross-code talent to emerge on the MTB scene, the former collegiate runner moved over to MTB this year and her rise has been dramatic. A clean sweep of the Cyclezone Winter Series saw her sky-rocket up the NZ MTB Crown ranking to #2. Her strength and ever improving technical skill mark her as the lady to beat. The only question mark is her endurance over the marathon format. A 6th place in Aprils Hawea Epic show she can handle the distance, but will that translate to the Whaka 100?

Christchurch’s Jeanette Gerrie will have something to say about it. Just 30sec separated Gerrie and Wilcox in April’s Hawea Epic after nearly 6hr of racing. The Christchurch athlete has been spied on the Rotorua trails in the weeks leading up to the event, so is sure to have done her homework. A multi-time NZ MTB Marathon World Championship representative, Gerrie is no stranger to the Whaka 100. Two previous 4-place finishes have motivated the experienced athlete to climb onto the podium, and 2017 may be her year.

Not to be discounted, look for Rotorua’s Nicola Kirkham, Christchurch’s Hannah Miller, and Maketu adventure racing star Anna Barrett to shake up proceedings.

100km+ of demanding Rotorua singletrack. It is a challenge like no other. Just to finish is an immense achievement in itself. One of the toughest. On Sunday a few hundred riders will find out just what they’re made of.

And by days end, Wellington’s Ed Crossling will hope to no longer be the bridesmaid.

ENDS

Difficult conditions did little to dampen the enthusiasm of competitors, as hundreds turned out to celebrate the final of the 2017 Cyclezone Winter Series on Sunday.

After what has perhaps been the wettest Winter Series on record, it was perhaps fitting that Sunday’s finale saw the clouds roll in and temperatures plummet, adding an extra element of difficulty to the already challenging courses. But once again the performances from the athletes on show would brighten the day.

Palmerston North’s Josie Wilcox, the standout rider of the series was in imperious form as she took her 3rd straight win in the Women’s Long Course. While the hilly course suited Wilcox obvious climbing strength, the wet conditions and technical descents provided a demanding test for the former runner, who is still learning her MTB craft. “Yeah. That was the toughest race so far! A nasty crash early on saw me flip my bike and break my helmet but crashes are all part of this sport” reflected Wilcox. “Really happy with another win today and pleased to take out the series.”

Fellow Palmerston North rider Fiona MacDermid would overcome an inadvertent early detour, to come back through the field and claim a strong 2nd place. The 3rd straight podium for the former National Series Champion. While series stalwart Amy Haddon rounded out the podium in 3rd.

For the men, any hope Cosmo Bloor had of matching the Wilcox’s series clean sweep was soon dashed as race was dominated by 2016 series champion Ed Crossling. Having missed the earlier rounds, the Wellington rider returned to fire a clear warning shot to his rivals ahead of October’s Whaka 100, showing all as his strength and experience as he played his cards perfectly to cross the line almost 30sec clear of Brad Jones. Bloor rounded out the podium a further 2min back.

Having represented New Zealand at the MTB Marathon World Championships in June, Crossling had had a quiet couple of months, and arrived in Rotorua looking for a good hitout to see where his form was at. And that’s exactly what he got.

 “That wasn’t easy that’s for sure. It was tough today. Those boys were riding strong and definitely made me earn it out there” said a clearly stoked Crossling. “I wasn’t too sure what to expect from these other boys, so I pushed the pace fairly early and the 3 of us managed to get away. Brad especially was really tough. I attacked a few times and couldn’t shake them. But I knew the descent of Hot-X Buns would be decisive today, so I pushed pretty hard through there and got a gap. Really stoked to hold that to the finish.”

 Both Crossling and Wilcox will take confidence from today, and head into October’s Whaka 100 as warm favourites for what is undoubtedly one of the toughest MTB races on the calendar.

 The Mid-Course events also saw some excitement, as the winning streaks of Alex Coventry and Sammie Maxwell were broken with fresh (albeit a little muddy) faces at the top of the podium; as young U17 riders Matthew Wilson and Ruby Ryan earned their maiden Winter Series victories.

 For Wilson, the win maybe shouldn’t have come as a surprise. The young Auckland rider had secured third placings in each of the first two Winter series races and had been right in the mix. Having finished just 4sec and 10sec respectively behind the winner. On Sunday he found the conditions, and the tough climbing to his liking as he was finally able to take the honours after a race long battle with fellow U17 athlete Adam Francis. Masters rider Elson Halligan saved his strongest performance for the finale. Finishing a close 3rd, and with it claiming back some pride for the older riders in attendance!

For Race Director Tim Farmer, the tough racing, and new winners made for a great finish to what has been another epic series. “Yeah it’s been a tough one. Our wettest series on record and that’s certainly bought some challenges. But we’ve still had almost 1700 riders across the series and they’ve been some great rides, and epic stories.  So bring on 2018!”

As the 2017 Cyclezone Winter Series concludes on Sunday, and new series champions are crowned; event organisers Tim and Belinda Farmer will be quietly looking on with pride at the racing community they have nurtured.

While the nature of Rotorua’s amazing trail network plays an obvious role in attracting riders year after year, there is a certain magic about NDuro that has seen the series not only survive, but continue to thrive.

Billed as “the perfect winter MTB challenge for all. Social or serious. Weekend warrior to World Cup racer,” the Cyclezone Winter Series has continued to live up to that billing. Consistently attracting riders of all abilities and ages with fields in excess of 600 riders. The variety of terrain, welcoming atmosphere, close racing, challenging yet achievable courses, and exciting event villages have created an event experience difficult to beat. One that truly caters for all.

Families are a common sight around the race village. The option for Mum or Dad to accompany their kids in the short course event has provided an amazing opportunity to experience MTB together. And for some, as is the case with Tauranga’s Lord family, the gateway for the kids to rapidly move to the top of the family pecking order.

It is an event experience that attracts quality fields, and produces some of the best racing on the New Zealand XC calendar. Yet at the same time, for many competitors the Winter Series will represent their first foray into competitive MTB. For them Nduro’s have stoked up the mountain bike fire. An exciting format to help motivate and fend off any thoughts of winter hibernation. The start of a new addiction they will carry with them through their everyday lives.

At the pointy end, the Winter Series has always provided a strong indicator to the form of the country’s top (and emerging) talent. On Sunday, Palmerston North's Josie Wilocox, a fresh face on the women's scene will attempt a clean sweep of the premier long course event; while Wellington’s Edwin Crossling returns from international racing to try to put an end the winning streak of Cosmo Bloor (Cambridge). Likewise, in the Mid-Course events emerging teenage talents Alex Coventry (Whakatane), and Sammie Maxwell (Taupo) look to make it three from three for 2017.

Seemingly more than any other MTB event, the Winter Series is also one that continues to attract athlete’s from other codes across to the dirt. A quick browse of race two results highlights some interesting names.

Two-time defending NZ National Motorcycle Cross-Country Champion Brad Groombridge is a regular, and lined up just a day after completing the Tarawera 100 (NZ’s most gruelling Moto XC race), blistered hands and all. Infamous NZ Road Cycling Champion Gordon McCauley was there, alongside former Downhiller professional Glenn Haden. And then there was Taupo’s Kyle Smith.

Better known as an ITU Triathlete, Smith shocked many as he rode to 3rd overall just days before flying out for North America. It must have done the trick. Two weeks later Smith sprinted to 3rd Elite (and 1st U23) at the 2017 ITU World Cross-Triathlon (Off-road Tri) World Championship in Penticton Canada.

Who will stand out on Sunday? Only time will tell. But one thing remains certain. That as New Zealand’s most popular MTB series returns wraps up its 16th season; it will feature racing on what are without a doubt some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Truly an event not to be missed.