Pioneer Stage Two
Day two of The Pioneer mountain bike stage race revealed the true character of the race, as riders were lead along a long and hilly route, where the sting was truly in the tail.
Geraldine to Fairlie
Distance: 106km
Elevation: 2480
There are a number of mountain bike stage races around the world that have worked hard to earn their stripes. And that's why here at The Pioneer, it's always impressive how well the event team have pulled together an international standard event. Last year was really good, and this year the level has lifted again.
It is easy to wonder about what makes an event 'impressive' or 'good'. In general, I think it comes down to competitor care, attention to making sure the racing can be fair and open, and making sure the feel of the event is inclusive.
On Stage 2 of The Pioneer today, from Geraldine to Fairlie, this things were all apparent. The campsite was comfortable and easy to get around, breakfast was plentiful, and we had a really good briefing last night so we knew what was ahead. And while the race is well-marked with countless volunteers and marshalls along the route, meaning riders at the front know exactly where to go while racing elbow to elbow – one thing really stood out as I battled into the 3rd feedzone about 80km into the race.
My team mate in this pairs race and I were pretty tired, we were trying to chase back to the group ahead after we had a flat on a rocky descent. Just the two of us stopped, as another team rolled through. The CEO for the event company in Oceania grabbed my bottle and went and filled it. Mechanics lubed our chain – another staff member filled Justin's bottle.
And this was how it was at each feed zone today. Many of the key staff not just for the event, but the whole company – are hands on, looking after the athletes. Making sure we can have the experience we want – be it racing for the podium, or aiming to complete an immense personal challenge. We are all treated the same, with due care.
The Pioneer states that they want riders to Find Stunning, Find Character and Find Welcome. They nail them all, but I really did find welcome today.
On the trail
The race itself today was pleasingly mellow to start, and even US Pro Soya Looney exclaimed that it was the mellowest start to a stage race she has ever done. But having ridden this route last year, I knew the course would bring the race to us all anyway.
After opening gravel roads, and river and creek crossings that this year were dry, we started up the valley, right into the wind. Sharp pinches had riders off when their line was wrong, and groups of just a couple of teams formed.
The race leaders Scott and James were away, with the gun Imparables Team (including DH legend Tommy Misser) and the Alps2Ocean brothers – the leading 4 day rider Manolo Zanella was also along for the ride. This group held a lot of race pedigree, and they built a handy lead into the wind and over the climbs and down the rutted descent.
We were battling the conditions, and I could see the mountain range looming ahead. Each pair of riders in our group had it's strength, and that was clear as we turned onto the major climb and two teams lept away.
They were climbers.
An immense view opened up to our left, back across the farm lands and the ranges behind them. We had our own hill to climb, and while it was smaller than those around us, it didn't feel it!
The descent was worth it though, as we flew down an old farm track, along a deer fence, and into the much awaited feedzone for fruit, a Gu Stroopwafel (or 2) and some aeroplane lollies. The next climb and then long descent was rocky and saw plenty of riders succumb to mechanicals, with flat tyres, broken chains and torn derailleur hangers by the trail side. Including us as we had a flat!
The finish was long, and as we forded a river before the final kilometres, spirits lifted again as the finish line was within reach.
At the front
It was Scott and James, and The Imparables, who had the most firepower today. They crossed with the Spanish Imparables in front, so the time gaps remain the same for tomorrow. Misser and Zugasti were the stage winners, and also the Masters winners.
While Sonya Looney and Gordon Wadsworth had a handy lead on the stage in the Mixed category, Wadsworth was one of many riders with a mechanical, and it was current Mixed Leaders Mark Williams and Kate Fluker who took the stage – and a bunch of time.
In the open women, Team Hirepool stayed in front, plus put a few minutes into the duo of Erin Greene and Ingrid Richter who were about 4 minutes behind.
Our day was long and tough! But after a wash down, some food, some drink, another drink, and a rest – it was good. It was what you sign up for. It's easy to wonder how we'll do it again tomorrow, but it is what we're here for! To ride bikes, challenge ourselves and meet new people. The Pioneer is an epic adventure – and for Australians it is just a short flight away. Which is probably why there are so many of us here!
