The Pioneer - New Bike Race Launched in New Zealand

For those who love to travel the world around biking events, The Pioneer is an audacious, seven-day mountain bike stage race for elite and amateur athletes alike. It takes riders (in teams of two) through the best of New Zealand’s spectacular landscape – along trails that few ever get to enjoy – and is following in the footsteps of New Zealand’s early explorers.

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The Pioneer will run from January 31 – February 6, 2016, taking riders through outstanding terrain, with great climbs and descents on New Zealand Cycle Trails, farm tracks, Department of Conservation trails, and along world-class single tracks between Christchurch and Queenstown, traversing the stunning Southern Alps. With entries capped at 1,000 for the race’s first year, The Pioneer will be within reach for those with a moderate level of mountain bike riding ability, but will not be for the “faint hearted.” It will be a tough and demanding race that will push competitors, in teams of two, to their limits – both mentally and physically. It will be a full-service race, with everything taken care of from the start. All that riders need to think about is riding and recovering each night in the daily camps that will be set up ahead of the arrival of participants. Riders will stay in Christchurch, Geraldine, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Hawea, Snow Farm and Queenstown. The Pioneer will be “book-ended” with one-day mass participation races in Christchurch and Queenstown that will be specifically targeted to the more social riders, families and children and will celebrate those taking part in The Pioneer. The Christchurch event on January 31 will feature riding through the central city, taking in iconic sites and showcasing many new developments, through to the mountain bike trails in the Port Hills, and then back into town. Pioneer riders will then be transited to Geraldine to start day two of the seven-day epic ride through the Southern Alps. Day seven will feature a big finish and party in Queenstown. Participants can choose from The Pioneer 7-Day Epic event, the 3-Day Traverse, or individual Day Rides. Visitors to this world-class New Zealand event will enjoy a super-friendly race vibe and discover legendary warm kiwi hospitality at the end of each day. Visit the website for entry fees and to enter: www.thepioneer.co.nz.