NZ MTB Rally starts on Saturday 14 March
What’s the NZ MTB RALLY?
NZ MTB Rally is a week-long enduro-format adventure, traversing New Zealand’s ‘undiscovered’ top-of-the-south region. Comprising world-class trails in a pristine backcountry environment, sandwiched between three national parks.
120 international competitors will complete a circular itinerary out of Nelson, taking in both historic tracks and IMBA gold-level bike-trails.
Amateurs alongside seasoned pros; this race is a bucket-list adventure as much as it is a competition….with properly rad logistics: if there’s a road, we’ll shuttle it. When that road gets rough, we’ll take our 4x4s. Where there’s no road at all, we’ll jump in our helicopters. And when there’s nothing but water…we’ll go by boat.
The very best of the Top of the South
The Rally’s circular itinerary comprises an original route conceived especially for the race; sandwiched between 3 National Parks, taking in a blend of both historic backcountry tracks and purpose built MTB trails. But if you’re thinking machine-build bike park, you’ll be in for a surprise. The trails in Nelson and the surrounding area consist almost entirely of hand-built singletrack built by an enthusiastic local MTB community comprising over 3000 active members.
In simple terms, NZ MTB Rally is an uplift-assisted enduro race. With 4 to 6 gravity-biased race stages per day, connected by scenic backcountry liaisons and shuttled uplifts using 4×4, helicopter and boat. Visiting a notably different ride-spot each day, from three different basecamp locations. It’s a route that gives the impression of going on a coherent journey, with a purpose, rather than simply cruising from one bike park to the next on a coach tour.
“Only” a race…?
Whilst it’s a race, our expectations are that at least half of the 120-rider start list will be here for the adventure, awesome trails, beautiful scenery, and party vibes; not necessarily keeping a close eye on their finishing times.
And likely showing only the vaguest of interest in the heroic fight for the podium going on at the top of the field. Or at least, that’s what they are pretending is gonna happen. (What actually happens once you’re between the tapes, is anyone’s guess and plans of ‘just taking it easy’ and ‘I’m not really here to race’ are often forgotten).
Credit: NZ MTB Rally // Heli | Bike | 4×4
NZ MTB Rally is a party-to-pedal ratio of well over 2 to 1: our typical day averages 600 – 1200m climb and 2300 to 3000m descent. For those who don’t relish shouldering their bike, fear not: we’re not into it either. “Hike-a-bike? Hell Nah, Bro! Why walk, when you can take The Heli?” (preferably quipped whilst wearing aviator sunglasses and singlet, mullet shimmering in the breeze. Then casually popping the cap on a cold kiwi beer you just pulled from the overflowing cool box full of bevvies that you’ve stashed in the trunk of your pickup; conveniently there all along…almost as if waiting for this very moment of manly glory).
Over the week, we average about 70% backcountry and 30% bike-park stages, although when the park stuff is hand-cut beech forest goodness, we’ll forgive you if you struggle to notice the difference. We’ll throw in a groomer most days, but if you’re here for a proper Kiwi adventure… you’ve come to the right place.
Who’s racing?
Whilst it’s a race, our expectations are that at least half of the 120-riders will be here for the adventure, awesome trails, beautiful scenery, and party vibes; not necessarily keeping a close eye on their finishing times.
And amongst these 120 riders are some serious competitors, 6 names seems to have a big chance to be found on top of the podium at the end of the week :
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