With tyres pumped, bags packed and last minute training taken care of, mountain bikers from around New Zealand are counting down the hours to the start of the inaugural Skins Alpine Epic on Wednesday (25 February).
New Zealand's first stage mountain bike race, to be held from 25 to 28 February, will see teams of two battle it out over 259km of picture postcard scenery from the Canterbury foothills of Mt Somers through the Southern Alps to Lake Tekapo in Mount Cook/Mackenzie country.
Competitors will finish on the shores of Lake Tekapo with the spectacular backdrop of the Southern Alps behind them.
Event co-organiser Nick Ross predicts first place will be a battle of epic proportions between New Zealand's top cross-country mountain biker and Olympian Kashi Leuchs teamed up with fellow national rep Marcus Roy, and well-known endurance athlete Mark Williams from Queenstown with team-mate Scott Wilder, a competitive road cyclist from Christchurch.
Naming rights sponsor Skins, a specialist in body-moulded compression performance equipment, has further incentivised racers by pledging $5,000 cash for overall place getters.
Mr Ross says securing key sponsorship from Skins has been very important.
"We wanted a strong naming rights sponsor whose values closely aligned with that of the event and who would actively want to be involved. Skins have given us both - in fact, Skins' managing director David Watt will be on the start line as a competitor.
"In a multi-day race format it's crucial for athletes to recover as much as possible each night in order to meet the next day's challenge," says Mr Ross. "Skins is a perfect fit for the Alpine Epic because it optimises performance and recovery."
Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie, a race entrant himself who has teamed up with Cathy Richards from Visit Waimakariri, is expecting a large crowd of supporters and locals to be at the finish line cheering racers across.
"Everyone's really excited about it. I'm expecting a big Mackenzie contingent to be there so we should have a decent cheer squad to welcome us in. It's just as well - I'll probably need it!" he jokes.
The four-day event will round off with a banquet and prizegiving at an original high-country homestead in Tekapo.
For daily race results and photos visit the Alpine Epic website.
Breakdown of race stages
Day 1. Stage 1: Mt Somers to Inverary - 35km, 800m ascent
Fast and furious from the time the starter gun goes off. After jockeying for position, riders will hit undulating 4wd tracks through historic farmland and stands of native beech. Rocky creek crossings and the odd glimpse deep into the Arrowsmith ranges can be seen as the course enters Inverary Station. Traversing some classic tussock downs to the finish line and campsite high above the Hakatere Conservation Area.
Day 2. Stage 2: Inverary to the Rangitata River - 35km, 1250m ascent
Another fast short stage, but featuring a scenic river gorge, a checkpoint at a historic musterers hut, some steep and rough climbs and a fast descent of an overgrown track to the Rangitata River. A final bash through matagouri and chest deep snowgrass to the finish will keep riders honest.
Day 2. Stage 3: Rangitata River to Rangitata Gorge - 15km, 150m ascent
It's time for riders to dust off their skin suits and get aerodynamic. The end of day 2 will be a team time trial to the finish line near the Rangitata Gorge. There are a couple of steep climbs to begin with and the opportunity to click into a big gear. Knobbly tyres are needed on for the final descent which is super slippery when wet.
Day 3. Stage 4: Rangitata Gorge to Sherwood Hall - 80km, 2300m ascent
Today is the longest day in the race and it's all about big mountains. There's a massive climb to start the day with a steep descent to the halfway point for the stage. After riders fill their drink bottles at the checkpoint they head off into the remote Phantom River region. There's a gradual 25km climb before some undulations and fast descents. The riding will be unforgiving and rough, rewarding technical prowess and endurance. Good teamwork will be needed to ensure there are no issues with dehydration or exhaustion as this could lead to massive time gaps.
Day 4. Stage 5: Sherwood to Tekapo - 62km, 1950m ascent
The end is in sight but the Two Thumb range is a major hurdle to negotiate. There's a short and fast ride to the hills and then a steady climb onto the foot of the Two Thumb range. Riders can soak up the serenity before a rough bike carry and climb to the crest of the ridge overlooking the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Tekapo. In the distance the intimidating bulk of Aoraki Mount Cook crowns the horizon. The incredible 1000m descent is rough at first then speeds up, finishing over undulating tussock rollers and smooth tracks to the Lilybank Road. Roll into Tekapo to the finish of the 2009 Skins Alpine Epic and a hero's welcome!
