stage 5
Bannockburn to Queenstown
(86km, 2 946m ascent)
The final fling was no walk in the park
thanks to crossing the Kawarau Gorge via
Mt Michael, which ascended 1º000m in
a mere 12km at the start of proceedings.
The subsequent downhill was exhilarating,
followed by two more sharp climbs, a jet
boat river crossing and the final dash –
which took ages – back to the Queenstown
Ice arena along the iconic Queenstown Bike
Trail where we started it all. With 5km to go,
when things get tricky, they
get plenty tricky. Having said
that, the tricky bits are few
and far between enough not
to detract from a positive
overall experience.
ACCOMMODATION
Pre- and post-race
accommodation is not
provided, so book well in
advance and treat it as part of
your trip to experience New
Zealand’s South Island.
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and just as we were running out of steam,
our South African host in Queenstown
appeared trailside, like a mirage, waving
probably the biggest SA flag on the NZ
Isles. It was all we needed to give us a
final push, and we finished the final stage
in third place again, and seventh overall in
the mixed category.
With that, we had gone through the
whole spectrum of emotions, from thinking
we wouldn’t start, to thinking we couldn’t
finish, to hoping it would all just be over,
to wishing we had another week of racing!
MAKE USE OF THE RACE
ORGANISATION
They are friendly, professional
and there to help, so when in
doubt – ask! Even if you don’t
need help just ask a question
so you can hear the lovely
Kiwi accent ;)
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AID STATIONS
They are adequately
stocked, even featuring South
Africa’s very own Squirt Lube,
so be sure to stop and make
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By the end of the six days our legs were
as sore as our eyes, the brutality of the race
matched by the splendour of the scenery.
This is an event with a unique personality
– equal parts race and adventure. It’s a
long way to come for most people but
well worth the time, effort and money. The
terrain is without comparison, the trails
are fantastic, the people are friendly and
the organisation is professional. This year’s
event runs from 1-6 December – enter it at
www.thepioneer.co.nz for a perception-
altering mountain bike experience!
use of them. You will also
appreciate the banter from
race staff – especially the guy
in the kilt.
GO WITH THE RIGHT
ATTITUDE
Yes, this is a race, but take
a moment to savour the
experience. A good result
can instantly vanish due
to a mechanical issue or
other unforeseen
circumstances, but good
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memories will last a lifetime.
BE PREPARED TO CLIMB
The route will differ in
years to come, but NZ
mountains are steep so pick
your chainring size with your
head, not your ego!
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STAY A WHILE
NZ is a long way to go,
so make sure you stay long
enough to enjoy the country
and all it has to offer.
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bucket list busting | MTB | 93