MTB

All-Comers To Get A Taste Of World Class Mountain Bike Event

By The Pioneer

You don’t have to be an endurance athlete or mountain biking expert to get a taste of The Pioneer – the mountain bike stage race travelling through the Southern Alps in January 2016.

The seven day event will open and close with special day rides of varying distances, first in Christchurch, then in Queenstown, enabling anyone who is keen to sample this spectacular event, to have a go.

The Pioneer launches on Sunday 31 January 2016 in Christchurch. The Christchurch Prologue is Stage One of the seven day race, and will also offer three alternative race options, including a 7km track for kids.

Each race distance starts and finishes at The Pioneer event hub at Hagley Park, heading on to an urban cross country course before the two longer rides attack the Port Hills to complete either the 37km or 53km distances.


Photo courtesy of The Pioneer

For those keen to join The Pioneer competitors on their last day of racing, there is a day ride option to cycle the 52km final stage into Queenstown.

The day riders will be right in amongst the action as the final trek starts at Snow Farm, 1200m above Lake Wakatipu, with some rolling climbs before peaking with a panoramic view at the highest point of Quartz Knoll at (1593m). The challenge of the climb is rewarded with a long descent to the basin floor before riding the Queenstown Cycle Trails to the finish line.


Photo courtesy of The Pioneer

All finishers will receive a race memento and age group category prizes are up for grabs.

“We understand the seven day stage race is not for everyone but wanted to offer people the chance to experience the thrill of this extraordinary event – especially with the kind of breath-taking scenery and trails The Pioneer has to offer,” said Dave Beeche, CEO of event company, Lagardere Oceania Unlimited.

The Christchurch City Council and Queenstown Lake District Council are both supporters of The Pioneer and welcome the day ride options in their regions.

“Cantabrians are renowned for their passion for outdoor activities; cycling is one of them. This is a great opportunity for locals and out-of-town participants to see Christchurch as they ride through the central city before heading toward the Port Hills. I am positive that there will be hundreds of locals who will want to be part of this incredibly exciting event, whether they are taking part or soaking up the atmosphere, said Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel.

Queenstown Mayor, Vanessa van Uden is delighted the final stage of the seven-day race will provide an opportunity for other riders to experience a world-class event.


Photo courtesy of The Pioneer

“Our Council is always pleased to support new events, and The Pioneer will be an epic journey that will attract hard-core riders and their supporters. I’m pleased that local riders of all abilities will have the chance to experience the thrill of The Pioneer by joining in the participation event on the final day,” said van Uden.

The Pioneer will be held from Sunday 31 January – Saturday 6 February 2016.

*SPECIAL EARLY BIRD ENTRY OFFER*:
A super discount will be given to the first 100 entries for each of The Pioneer Day Ride races - three in Christchurch and one in Queenstown.

For entry details and further information on all race options for The Pioneer, visit www.thepioneer.co.nz