Along with its epic three stage mountain bike race, The Prospector is launching a new single day race at Alexandra’s Matangi Station mountain bike (MTB) park this year.

The Matangi Claim Adventure Ride will appeal to a broader audience who are unable to commit to three days of back-to-back racing.

The Prospector marketing manager Sophie Luther said the new event is perfect for those looking to gain experience in cross country racing or keen to get a taste of what Prospector is all about.

“We had a flurry of entries in the new race at the start… and there are still spots left.”

Categories are for male and female individual riders by age; juniors (14-19), open (20-39), masters (40-49), grand masters (50+ years) and a non-competitive social  e-mountain bike section. 

There are 100 entries in the 58 km loop day (on the same course as Prospector stage two); it encompasses 1900m of elevation gain on a largely single track (technical grade three and four rated).

“The elite riders will be blasting at the front but those faster people on the single day will potentially finish amongst some of the three day riders,” Sophie said. 

View a video about the new race here.

The longer three day race is done in pairs. The prologue on March 10 sets the tone for the weekend, it's a 10am start to an 18km day with 600m of elevation. 

Stage one, with an early start, is based at Earnscleugh Station, on a classic MTB course in the backcountry of farm tracks and 4WD trails; a 56 km loop and 2100m elevation gain. 

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

Entries for the three day and the single day close on February 28.  

See The Prospector website for more information.