More than 200 mountain bikers will take part in the third Prospector mountain bike (MTB) race, set amongst Central’s iconic rocky landscape later this week (March 10-12).

Race director and co-founder Jimmy Williamson said he was excited to see such strong competition in each category this year.

"It promises to be an exciting few days, and we cannot wait to see how the riders perform."

Ninety-six per cent of the entrants are from New Zealand, and seven per cent are from Australia.

Central Otago residents make up 12 per cent of the field, and women are another 12 per cent.

The youngest entrant is local Eli Moir (12) and the oldest is a 63-year-old man from Wellington. 

The elite men’s event line up includes Dunstan High School’s Eddie Adams and Ben Oliver, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and two-time defending champion (NZ Cycling Project- MitoQ).

Cameron Jones and Matthew Wilson (Team Talleys), who placed second in 2022, are another pair in top contention.

Samara Sheppard, who is originally from Clyde, is riding with her Australian partner Kyle Ward again, aiming for the second year running to nab a top finish. 

Samara is a multiple national and Oceania MTB champion and is thrilled she can return once again to race on her home turf. Kyle and Samara will face Gabby Buchanan and Carl Lawrence, both strong Kiwi riders.

Australian mountain bikers Reece Tucknott and Brent Rees (Reece and Reesy) will ignite traditional trans-Tasman rivalry in the event.

Each day of riding is in a different location. The prologue on March 10 sets the tone for the weekend: a 10am start to an 18km day with 600m of elevation. 

Stage one is based at Earnscleugh Station, on a classic course of farm tracks and 4WD trails; a 56km loop and 2,100m elevation gain. 

Stage two (based at Matangi Station) is one of the most epic days ever on a MTB, organisers say.

The technical difficulty of The Prospector sets it apart; it includes terrain unlike anything else in the rest of the world. 

Schist rocks make the scenery unique on Central’s bike events

Entries are still open for the new single day race ‘Matangi Claim Adventure Ride’. Held on Sunday, this one day epic ride will see riders join three day entrants for their final day.

Spectators are welcome. The best places to watch for Friday and Sunday are on the left of the Matangi car park(walk across Shaky Bridge and head up to the left of the car park on Little Valley Rd), or turn right and go to the end of Graveyard Gulley Rd.

On Saturday the best viewing is at Conroy’s Dam or the downhill at Hawkdun Rd. 

Riders will be crossing Little Valley Rd on Friday and Sunday, vehicles need to take care while driving in this area. 

For more information see the Prospector MTB website.

PHOTOS: The Prospector MTB 2022