Pioneer insights from Mark Williams
The course for The Pioneer 2018 spends more time in Queenstown - we spoke to CEO of the Queenstown Trails Trust to find out more!
If you like some epicness in your mountain biking then you know of The Pioneer. We first ventured across the ditch in early 2016 for the first event, and were blown away at the high level and demanding event that had been created right on Australia's door step.
In 2017, The Pioneer had a few tweaks and backed up a big first year with a second year that was just as tough, something which really asked people to 'Ride Beyond'. Between the first and second events though, the race had come under the same ownership as the Cape Epic. Chatting to the founder of the Cape Epic, Kevin Vermaak, it was clear there would be some changes happening to shape the race not only as a uniquely New Zealand experience, but to make it a little more attractive. What would that mean though?
The new course for The Pioneer in 2018
Questions were answered on the 10th November, when the course details were released for the race on 25-30th November 2018. 430km, 15,500m of climbing, using trails like Rude Rock, grade 3/4 trails in Queenstown and plenty of great riding beyond into Central Otago.
In 2016 and 2017 there was a team that really stood out – Queenstown locals Kate Fluker and Mark Williams. Both ae well accomplished athletes and they never truly looked under pressure when racing – but they did walk (ride?) away with the win in Mixed Pairs along with very high overall positions in both years.
Since the finish of the race in 2017, Williams has started a new role as CEO for the Queenstown Trails Trust. The first two editions of The Pioneer finished in Queenstown – but didn't really let riders experience what Queenstown mountain biking is all about.
The 2018 course changes that.
"I had a bit of input around course design for the new Pioneer stages around Queenstown, and it’s been quite exciting for me with my new role for the Queenstown Trails Trust to capture the best of what our region has to offer," explained Williams. "It was a bit of shame previously to finish in Frankton without getting to actually ride some of Queenstown’s best trails – all that is set to change for 2018. The quality of this route is on par with any stage race from around the world."
The Prologue really sets the tone for the week, with 1500m of climbing in just 22km of riding.
"The Coronet Peak Prologue is just amazing. Starting at the ski station 1300m above the valley, this stages encompasses some showstoppers including the famous ‘Rude Rock’, ‘Coronet XC’ and the hand built ‘Pack, Track and Sack’ trails," said Williams. This is more what you'd expact from a trip to Queenstown with a mountain bike!
But the next stage is in Queenstown too – and offers a completely different experience.
"Stage 1 has everything, showcasing Queenstown’s best backcountry rides including some new terrain along the Shotover river canyons and on to the epic NZ singletrack of the Moonlight Valley, challenging but mostly rideable. After some hot climbs and dusty descents, you’ll reach Moke Lake and Lake Dispute, good for a dip if the temps are up. Following old water races, Phoenix Track snakes its way down towards Lake Wakatipu with breath-taking deep water views, to Wilsons Bay and the start of the 7mile bike tracks."
"With the finish line in sight, a short climb into the Queenstown Bike Park will have riders grinning with the final descent back to Queenstown."
The race heads to Central Otago after Stage one, but Williams says the course just keeps on giving.
"The transfer to Alexandra will be more of the same, with local riders having their input into course design and showcasing some of the best of Central Otago’s trails, through the dry and dusty thyme and back through the Vineyards of Bannockburn."
"The Kawarau Gorge again plays host to the final day, crossing numerous suspension bridges and following the Queenstown Trail along the tree-lined Arrow river to finish in quaint Arrowtown, for a well-deserved beer and ice cream."
The changes to the course really suggest it's a race that has it all. The terrain will be demanding, but the trails rewarding. And like other years, we expect the struggle to stop once you're off the bike, given the high-level of athlete services on offer.
Does this sound like you? Well find a team mate, organise a team name, and get ready to enter when entries open tomorrow.
