Almost an hour ahead of the next solo competitor, Alexandra’s Eddie Adams (17) showed his fitness winning The Prospector’s individual category today (March 10).

He completed the multi-day mountain bike (MTB) race in six hours and 50 minutes, the second individual was Craig Tolson who took seven hours and 41 minutes.

Eddie suffered from two flat tyres that put him back from the leaders in the final stage, yet he still topped the podium.

“It was amazing racing with Anton and the boys,” said Eddie.

“I knew I would be quick on the downhill sections here and my plan was to try and lead those guys through those techy lines…it wasn’t to be, but it was an epic day out there.” 

Matangi Station’s rocky terrain is familiar territory for Alexandra’s Eddie. PHOTO: AuthenticAs 

Race director and Alexandra local Jimmy Williamson said he was happy with how the three days rolled out.

“We are privileged to have the support of a great community of riders, sponsors, volunteers, landowners and staff that make this event a genuinely fun weekend for everyone.”

Jimmy said he was proud to show Alexandra off to our best and most enthusiastic mountain bikers.

“[We] look forward to being able to keep bringing the long term benefits to town.”

The start line for the final day of racing. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

The men’s team category was won by Olympian and national champion Anton Cooper and Ethan Rose in six hours and 35 minutes, second went to Josh Burnett and Craig Oliver only one minute behind them. Anton and Ethan lost stage two to Josh and Craig, but spectators enjoyed the sprint finish between the teams.

In the mixed teams, race leaders from the past two stages Hamish Peter and Mary Gray held onto their top spot finishing in eight hours and 12 minutes.

The fastest women's team was Rebecca Kingsford and Sarah Gilbert in nine hours and eight minutes. 

Mary-Ann Moller topped the women’s individual race coming in eight hours 50 minutes, also an hour ahead of second placed Anna Bristow. 

Mary-Ann Moller, winner of the women's solo category. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

Long time volunteer and Alexandra local Travis (Trav) Carrington said he loves watching people challenge themselves and push the limits of what’s possible. 

“When the body doesn’t want to push anymore that’s when the [volunteer] comes into their own…switching into a supportive mode of encouragement and positive energy to help keep [riders] going.”

Trav said The Prospector was his number one event to support as it “unlocks the most spectacular scenery and most amazing trail riding in the country”.

Pictured are (from left) Trav Carrington and Andy Hughson. PHOTO: AuthenticAs

With the future of Matangi Station MTB up in the air, Trav said he acknowledges the land, the access to it and the event is something very special.

“Being able to ride out there is a surreal feeling… it takes you to a place of serenity and you’re just filled with an amazing wow factor from the trails or the views.”

Central’s Jimmy Pollard and Bradley Harris (in a relay team) came fourteenth out of all the teams.

Mountain Bikers of Alexandra president Andrew Dowling and his teammate NIck Mannix finished fifth in their 50+ category and 29th overall. Other Central participants Pete Scarlet and Lindsay Breen also placed fifth in their 40+ category, and 20th overall. 

This year’s fourth edition of The Prospector was the biggest yet with over 200 riders participating.

Stage two (day three) of the multi day race was held at Alexandra’s Matangi Station. It took in 58km of mostly single track technical rocky trails, and riders gained 1800m of elevation through the day.

Approximately 20 additional riders joined the three day competitors for the ‘Matangi Claim Adventure Ride’, coined the baby brother of The Prospector, it required only one day of leg burning climbing, with the same fun atmosphere and phenomenal views.

For the complete results, including the Matangi Adventure Claim see The Prospector MTB race website.

Read more: Leaders holding on after The Prospector stage one

Read more: Local lad in contention after first day of The Prospector race