The Enduro event that needs no introduction, voted the best Enduro race in New Zealand in 2015. A 3 day, 9 stage event following the World Series format. It comes as no surprise that it attracts riders from around the world! The trails are truly amazing and the views are breath-taking.
It all began with a leisurely mid-day start at Whites Bay, just outside Blenheim. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere and a good time to catch up with many familiar faces that had been drawn in from around NZ and abroad. Catch ups were drawn to a close as all the riders made their way up to Mt Roberson, a 600 vertical metre climb to the start of Stage One. After fixing a small mechanical, I was ready to race! The stage is full of tight trees, rough roots and sharp rocks that was sure to keep even the most skilled mountain bikers on their toes. I had a good smooth run without any major mistakes and was sitting in 5th in the Pro Elite men’s class.
Photo: Digby Shaw
Day two is the longest day of the three, and by far the most physical. With a 7:30am briefing in a farmers paddock near Duncan bay, I wasn’t feeling quite as spritely as I’d like, considering the day ahead. On paper the 30 km of riding and 1400 vertical meters doesn’t look overly impressive, but the terrain is tough and relentless, there’s no bubble wrap or cotton wool, just rugged rocks, steep bluffs and gnarly roots.
I managed a quick warm up before starting Stage One for the day at the top of Opuri saddle which made its way down into Duncan bay. The track was very narrow with blind corners that tighten, a certain level of caution was required. My run was going well until the last few hundred metres where a series of uphill sprints sent my heart rate through the roof, I had to work hard to control my breathing and recover for the final decent to the finish. Stage Two was somewhat similar with very challenging technical sections. I had a couple of mishaps including an OTB (over the bars) and a nudge with a tree which left my bars twisted and made the remaining few minutes of the descent a little more interesting. These mishaps left my mind quickly as we pedalled around to Nydia bay for a superb lunch of Venison and Tuna burgers!
The final two stages of the day went very well and I was able to put down some very good times. By the end of the day I was sitting in 3rd place, I was stoked!
Photo: Digby Shaw
Day three, the Chopper day! After a good nights rest and a quick tune up of the bike, I was ready to take on the final day. Briefing was held at Butchers Flat at the end of the Wakamarina Road, valuable knowledge was shared, including the best way to keep your limbs attached when navigating a helicopter. Once up at Fosters Hut at 1160 meters overlooking Marlborough’s stunning Wairau Valley, all aviation nerves were behind me, it was go time! Stage One went well, I carried good speed and reserved some energy on the climbs so that I could push hard on the final descent.
With a solid Stage One behind me, I knew I just had to have a clean run on the final two stages to hold on to my 3rd place. The 10+ minute downhill was very physical and keeping focus was critical. Shortly before the finish there was a sharp right-hander that I remembered from previously riding that track, in anticipation I over-braked up front and my front wheel slid out from underneath me. I managed to get back up quickly, but my bars were twisted to the point it was unrideable. I quickly jumped off and franticly straightened them, I knew times were tight and every second counted.
Photo: Digby Shaw
The last stage was fairly short and fast. I couldn’t afford another mistake and was happy to carry good speed and keep my bike rubber side down!
From the end of the last stage it was a short pedal to Butchers Flat where I nervously swiped my timing chip to find I was able to cling on to 3rd place. I was very happy with the result, as it was my first podium in the Pro-Elite class.
Photo: Digby Shaw
