Pioneer proving hugely popular with entries over 70% sold

Organisers of The Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage race are thrilled with the response to the new format for the event, set to return in November 2018, with entries already over 70% sold and exceeding numbers from the previous two editions of the multi-stage mountain bike event.

Race Director Bec Williams has taken huge confidence from the entries so far, but also the feedback following the announcement that the event would return this year in a six-day format.

“It was our goal to ensure the long-term sustainability of the event, without losing the characteristics that made the first two editions so special. Demand for entries and the conversations we have had with riders directly and online have given complete backing for the changes we have made, it is going to be a very special event in November this year, one that is fresh for returning riders, and a stunning challenge for everyone.”

Amongst the changes is a Queenstown start and finish to the event, with riders now taking in six days of pedalling with 450km of riding in total. Williams says the event will be just as challenging as ever though.

“One thing that was made clear was riders did not want us to soften this event too much, they want and expect to ride over terrain that will take them to their limits, and with over 15,000 metres of climbing, this course certainly ticks that box.”

Entries are coming in from all around the world too, with 21 countries represented, with the biggest numbers coming from Australia, United States, and Singapore, while of course New Zealand is the largest nation of riders.

Williams says those numbers are only going to increase, with a series of information roadshow events about to take place in Australia and New Zealand.

“We expect demand on entries to increase over the next month and urge anyone considering entering to do so now to avoid possible disappointment. We know from the level of registrations for information, that many more people are considering the race, or in fact have already made the commitment to race but haven’t yet completed the entry process.”

The information evenings will provide riders or prospective riders with an overview of the event, including course information, technical advice, gear requirements, advice for supporters, and importantly contain a lengthy question and answer session when anything can be tabled of the organisers. At many of the evenings these questions will also be answered by riders who have already experienced The Pioneer and can share their stories.

The Pioneer Information Roadshow:
Everyone must register for any of the roadshows, space is limited at most venues, CLICK HERE to find more information or visitwww.thepioneer.co.nz for more information

Melbourne, 7th Feb
Bike Now, 6pm to 7:30pm

Melbourne, 8th Feb
Total Rush Richmond
6pm to 7:30pm

Sydney, 13th Feb
Cyclery Northside
6pm to 7:30pm

Brisbane, 15th Feb
Planet Cycles
6pm to 7:30pm

Wellington, 6th March
iRIDE
6pm to 7:30pm

Auckland, 7th March
Hot Cycles
6pm to 7:30pm

Christchurch, 14th March
Scotty Browns
6pm to 6:30pm

Countries represented in The Pioneer, as of Monday February 5, 2018.

United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, United States, South Africa.

The Pioneer 2018 – MTB Stage Race Southern Alps, NZ
November 25 – 30, 2018
450km of riding and 15,500m climbing

Stage information

Estimates of the type of riding throughout the Pioneer
• 36% - 4WD/Farm Track
• 35% - Cycle Trails / Single Track
• 15% - Gravel Road
• 14% - Sealed Road

For more detail on each stage, CLICK HERE

Additional information can be found at www.thepioneer.co.nz

THE PIONEER, MTB STAGE RACE, SOUTHERN ALPS, NEW ZEALAND
The Pioneer came out of a simple idea. Ride beyond. The idea of creating a uniquely New Zealand event that took you through the parts of the country that few will ever get to enjoy. To ride to the remotest parts of the Southern Alps. To push yourself beyond your comfort zone. To get you far away from familiar trails and in to the unknown. And you do it all for six days straight in teams of two.

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