The family atmosphere, and small scale of a few hundred competitors are reasons why The Prospector mountain bike (MTB) stage race is world class according to race director James Williamson (Jimmy).

“We’re proud of what we can do here, and we want to keep it special.” 

Alexandra local Jimmy talked about the success of what he described as a “homegrown event” on The Outlet podcast today.

“It [was] a great couple of days around Alexandra on mountain bikes. Pretty much . . . the best thing you could be doing that weekend. The weather played [its] part. Riders got through safely and everyone had big smiles on their faces at the end.”

Prospector race director, cycling coach and Willbike Cycling Central owner James Williamson. PHOTO: Supplied

Jimmy, along with other organisers Phil Oliver and Lisa Hoskin, hope the economic benefits rub off across the district after international riders and visitors stay on after the race. 

“We hope that it puts Alexandra at the forefront of peoples’ minds when they think of the ultimate place to go for a bike holiday in New Zealand.

“In the last couple of days, post event at [Willbike Cycling Central] we've had a few people pop in, [who have] done the race and they're hanging around with their family . . . they're doing the cycle trails now.

“[We want] to get that established, there's biking here for everyone and it's world-class in every regard, not just cycle trails but every aspect.”

Jimmy said the feedback from New Zealand based riders, spectators, event helpers and international contestants was that they were really buzzing on Alexandra, and the event vibe.

“[People were] saying how nice of a place it is to come and spend a weekend, it might not be the place that people [first] think of in Central Otago compared to Wānaka and Queenstown, but yeah we think it deserves it.”

On the subject of Matangi Station he said it was “a tricky one” as they want to build on the momentum from this year's race.

“Everyone understands it as a complicated situation, and you know we're not the only ones that have got an interest in the area . . . [we are] hoping that we can get some clarity on who or what we're going to be dealing with going forward and hopefully we can get a nice long-lasting relationship going there.”

To hear more from Jimmy, listen to this week's edition of The Outlet podcast. Click banner above.

Read more: DHS student fastest individual in Prospector MTB race

Read more: MOA public easement not accepted