Central Otago turned on perfect cross country mountain biking conditions for the past three days of competition in The Prospector mountain bike race (March 10-12).

Alexandra based race director James Williamson said the last stage was a massive day.

“It’s great to crown some new champions for 2023. Craig Oliver and Ethan Rose showed they’re pure class taking the win, and we look forward to following them on the international scene later this year.”

Dunstan High School student Eddie Adams (dubbed ‘fast Eddie’) and his race partner Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ben Oliver (NZ Cycling Project Mito-Q team) came in second with a time of six hours 31 minutes, behind Julbo Akatrac team of Craig Oliver and Ethan Rose from Christchurch (six hours 25 minutes).

Eddie and Ben during the prologue (first day)

Priscilla Thompson and Mary Gray dominated the female team category, winning every stage and crossing the finish line at eight hours 55 minutes. Their closest rivals were Jennifer Tregurtha and Leah Stewart, three hours behind at 12 hours and three minutes. 

Mary and Priscilla had a secure lead in the women’s from the outset. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

Defending champions in the mixed pairs, Clyde’s Samara Sheppard and Australian partner Kyle Ward (ANZ), performed well during every stage. 

They topped the mixed category for the second year running with a time of seven hours 44 minutes. 

Samara said the final stage was a challenge that definitely kept them on their toes. 

“It was awesome to ride it together and stoked to take the win. We can’t wait to come back next year.”

Samara in action on the first day of riding at Matangi Station. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

Taupo based riders Gabby Buchanan and Karl Laurence earned the silver in the mixed teams. The pair had another reason to celebrate; they got engaged at the finish line. 

Karl and Gabby put a ring on it yesterday (March 12). PHOTO: Instagram 

An additional 40 Matangi Claim Adventure riders joined the three day participants for the final day of racing at Matangi Station MTB park. 

It was a 58km day with 1,900m of elevation on technical single track. 

The youngest competitor, local lad Eli Moir (12) made the podium finishing third with a time of four hours 38 minutes.

He placed fifteenth out of all the male entrants in the single day race. 

Alexandra personal trainer Teresa Noble placed first in the female masters category of the Matangi Claim ride, finishing only two seconds behind Eli. 

Eli and race director James Williamson. PHOTO: Instagram  

Taking the win in the open male category was Oamaru’s Taz Selfe in a time of three hours, 13 minutes. Queenstown’s Georgina Read claimed the female title at four hours and 22 minutes.

All race results can be viewed here.

The Prospector includes terrain unlike anything else in the word, its rocky, scenic, highly technical and the scent of wild thyme pervades the trails.