A home-grown stage race continues to cement itself as a premier event on the New Zealand mountainbiking calendar.
The fourth annual Prospector MTB Stage Race began in Alexandra yesterday with the Prologue stage, held in the Matangi Station MTB park.
Gerard Logan and Duncan Gourley, both of Napier, were competing together in the team event.
Mr Logan said the Prologue stage had been "fantastic" and suitably challenging.
"[There were] a lot of good rock rolls and drops", he said.
Mr Gourley said it was the first time either of them had taken part in the Prospector, but they had enjoyed racing in Central Otago previously.
"[I] quite like riding down here."
The weekend stages were longer, but "not quite as technical", Mr Gourley said.
Today , competitors will ride a 56km loop track on Earnscleugh Station and tomorrow will ride a 58km track on Matangi Station.
"It’s one of the premier NZ events — we’re getting the riders that that sort of event deserves", Ms Hoskin said.
The event also attracted a lot of local riders who were taking part to enjoy time with their friends.
"The people who know Alex trails know that they’re ... some of the best riding in NZ but it’s unique riding as well."
A field of about 200 riders made 2024 the event’s biggest year.
This year’s edition also had the most registrations by women riders, Ms Hoskin said.
"Word’s getting out about how great a stage race this is."
The event received great support from local volunteers and sponsors, which made the event possible, she said.
