MTB

Primo Day for 2015 Contact Epic

By LMS Events

A primo day is the only way to describe the eighth Contact Epic, mountain bike race around Lake Hawea. Competitors were met with excellent conditions on Saturday, which complimented the jaw dropping scenery, making 2015 hard to beat.

Every element of the Contact Epic lived up to it’s reputation of being the longest and most scenic mountain bike race in the country.

Hundreds of competitors left the start line with Eminem blaring from speakers and headed around Lake Hawea for the 95km or 125km circumnavigation. Rain the day prior meant the course was muddy in parts, but the rivers were crossable and caused no concern.

Again, the unique community atmosphere of the event, involving over 60 local Hawea resident volunteers and spectacular, remote scenery was appreciated and marvelled at by new comers. 

The Contact Epic has, from its inception in 2008, pushed the ethos of self-responsibility and no cotton wool as a way of keeping people thinking about safety, about weather and about managing their bikes and themselves. With only one injury on course, it has proven that this philosophy works.

Race organiser, Danielle Nicholson, stated “The day was just smooth running from start to finish. One the reasons for is that so many of the competitors took responsibility for their ride and came fully prepared for any conditions.”

The 35km Traverse had a new start with cyclists riding down and around the Contact dam before heading along the misty Hawea River. Growing in popularity, this event was relaxed and permitted up-coming riders and families to part of the Contact Epic experience.

Newcomer 21yr old, Tom Filmer from Nelson, surprised everybody with his sub 5 hour win in the 125km Epic. Second was Gavin Mason from Wanaka (5:07), followed by Brent Parrant of Christchurch (5:11 mins).



Tom Filmer--winner

Kath Kelly of Roxburgh took home the first place prize for open women’s 125km for the sixth time with a time of 5 hours and 44 minutes. Chris Galbraith of Alexandra followed her at 6hours and third was Haley van Leeuwen, also from Alexandra.



First over the line Tom OLeary and Aaron Nicholson

First over the line was Classic rider, Tom O’leary from Queenstown. He won the vet men’s division with a time of 4:21. Local Wanaka rider, Richard Anderson took home first place open men’s cash prize for the 95km leg with a time of 4:30. Second was Hamish McHugh-Smith of Alexandra (4:36) and third, young Alexandra rider Sam Portegys (4:51).

Classic open women’s was won by Floortje Grimmet from Wanaka with a time of 5:14. Following her was Wanaka rider Melissa Newel (5:22) and third, Jo McKenzie from Clinton (5:42).