MTB

Pioneer Mountain Bike Race Info Evenings in Response to Widespread Interest

By Gracie Productions

The Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race is hosting public information evenings around the country over the next two weeks, with evenings planned in Auckland (September 8), Wellington (September 21) and Christchurch (September 22).
 
Following on from a hugely successful inaugural event in February this year, organisers of the seven day stage event from Christchurch to Queenstown are reacting to the high levels of interest with the informal evenings, designed to bring the mountain bike and adventure racing community together for an open question and answer session – along with some inspirational videos and advice from 2016 Pioneer competitors.




 
The interest has not just come Kiwi’s either. The Pioneer is on the radar of mountain bike riders worldwide, so for those unable to be physically present for the info evenings in New Zealand, the Auckland session will be streamed live on The Pioneer Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ThePioneerNZ) and will remain available to view at a later date.

IRONMAN Oceania is the event organizer (previously Lagardere Oceania) and CEO Dave Beeche says they are responding to the high levels of interest on the back of the first event, but are also expecting returning riders to take the chance to find out more about the new course.
 
“Year one proved such a success and word has spread quickly through the New Zealand and international mountain bike communities about this amazing new stage race across some of the most stunning trails and countryside you can imagine anywhere in the world.
 
“What we have found is a real thirst for information about the event, people want to plan and prepare as best they can and to do that, they need as much knowledge as they can muster. And while websites and social media can do plenty, there is nothing like the excitement of being in the same room and sharing that nervous energy and excitement with others.”
 
The evenings will feature members of the organising team, as well as riders who experienced the inaugural event and can speak of their first-hand experience – and there is no glossing over anything to create a false sense of security or comfort.

“This is a tough event, and toughness is a big part of what makes it so incredibly special. The challenge of completing each days riding is what brings people together each night at dinner and prize giving, sharing stories of the day, amazing views, stunning scenery, tough climbs, crazy descents, great rolling single track and the many funny tales from across the day – some are serious, some are hard luck, and some are just so funny – no one is spared on this event trust me, there is a camaraderie that only an adventure race of this can generate, it really is hard to describe.”
 
And that is why those who might be interested or indeed the many who have already entered the 2017 Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race (February 5 to 11) are encouraged to attend on one of the three nights, to get a ‘feel’ for the event, as well as have any of the many practical questions answered by the experts.
 
Beeche says organisers listened to the inaugural Pioneers as well, and have made a number of changes to the course – all without compromising the essence of The Pioneer.
 
“We delivered an amazing and world class event but we didn’t for one minute think we had it 100% right, we sought feedback from our riders and supporters after the first event to improve in year two. As a result we have made a number of tweaks to the course and the race rules, all of which will be explained on our info evenings.
 
“What we promised back then however was that we would not compromise on the challenge of this event – like others around the world half the appeal is how tough it is to complete and as a result, so rewarding in the end.”
 
The Pioneer will again feature 7 days of stunning stage riding in teams of two in the 7 Day Epic, with the other option being the solo 4 Day Traverse (3 days in 2016). In one of the significant changes to the event, the 4 Day Traverse sees riders start in Christchurch alongside the Pioneer riders and end their event at Lake Ohau before Pioneer teams continue on to Queenstown and the finish.




 
The Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race
Southern Alps
February 5 to 11, 2017
 
Athlete Info Evenings
Auckland
September 8
7pm
HOT Cycles
46 Long Drive, St Heliers
The Auckland session will streamed live here: www.facebook.com/ThePioneerNZ
 
Wellington
September 21
6pm
iRide
242 Thorndon Quay

Christchurch
September 22
6pm 
Scotty Browns
206 Wordsworth Street