With only a few days until the first day of The Prospector mountain bike (MTB) stage race, two Central women are amping to be a part of the fun. 

Central’s Teresa Noble has entered twice before, once as an individual in the three day race, and once in the single day race ‘The Matangi Claim’. 

She said the race is an opportunity to ride trails you would not usually have access to and see incredible Central scenery.

“[It’s] a technical, challenging course that will not fail to disappoint . . . a fantastic day hanging out with friends and making new friends for life. Plus you get to be a big kid and ride your bike all day.”

Teresa is still training up to the final week of the race, including one long ride. 

“I’m making sure I have a ride that is fun, not worried about times to remind me why I love riding my bike.”

“[Then] I focus on quality nutrition during the week before a race, plus stretching and a short activation ride, including a few sprints to check the legs and mind are feeling good. [My] most important thing is getting good quality sleep.”

Teresa Noble. PHOTO: Supplied 

Her top tips are to be prepared with the correct kit, nutrition and your bike in excellent working order. 

“Be ready for a challenging course, and ride within your abilities. Pace yourself and don't take any unnecessary risks as it's a three day event . . . take a moment to enjoy the epic days.” 

She said women shouldn’t feel intimidated by the mountain biking scene.

“Once you take the plunge and get out riding you will see that there is a mix of abilities male and female, all with a common goal to enjoy riding bikes. Have confidence in your abilities . . . even look at getting some coaching.”

Teresa said there was a cool build up to the event.

“People are talking about it, trying to guess the trails. The level of local riders is fantastic, I'd say there will be some great competition out there.”

Another local taking part is pharmacist Chris Galbraith, riding in the mixed team ‘Fast and Furious II’ with Kieron Ingram.   

Chris said she gets a thrill riding a bike and challenging herself to get out of her comfort zone.

She has been training for the past six months. 

“[I’ve been] chipping away doing the mahi, practising the trails and keeping the miles up and competing in local events . . . everyone has been very supportive and patient with me while I practise and try to improve my skills.

“This I’m grateful for. What a cool community we live in.”

Chris said she is feeling “nervous but confident” prior to the event.

She was going to race solo, but a last minute injury to a friend’s teammate resulted in her stepping up to ride with a partner. 

“This does add to my anxiety a little, not going to lie. But my motto is, slow and steady wins the race. My goal is to complete the course, I have attempted it previously and was unable to finish due to a chest infection so I really feel like I have unfinished business.”

Some more locals to keep an eye out for are: youngsters Eddie Adams , Cam and Eli Moir, Mountain Bikers of Alexandra president Andrew Dowling and Nick Mannix, Lindsay Breen and Pete Scarlet, Mike Sangster and Shaun Portegys, and former Dunstan High School students Jimmy Pollard and Bradley Harris. 

Taupo based Karl Laurence proposed to his girlfriend, Queenstown born Gabby Buchanan at the finish line in 2023 and they got silver. This year they are back hoping to nab a gold in the mixed teams. PHOTO: Supplied

The Prospector is on March 8-10 in Alexandra and Earnscleugh. For more information see The Prospector website.

Read more: Fun ahead as The Prospector MTB Race nears