New 7-Day Stage Race Coming to New Zealand January, 2016: The Pioneer

The Pioneer is a new 7-day, 353-mile stage race through New Zealand's Southern Alps, linking Christchurch to Queenstown with all-inclusive support.
By Jeff Barber
   Last Updated:
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All photos: thepioneer.co.nz
All photos: thepioneer.co.nz

Mountain biking in New Zealand is on many mountain bikers’ to-do lists, and now there’s one more reason to visit: The Pioneer stage race. New this year, the 7-day race links together 353 miles of singletrack, doubletrack, farm tracks, and cycle trails from Christchurch to Queenstown through the Southern Alps.

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Riders must ride in a team of two, and the $2,499 NZD race entry fee (about $1,600 USD) covers pretty much everything during the week, including lodging (in a tent), food, swag, and miscellaneous support. Heck, a plane ticket from the US will set you back more than that, which makes the all-inclusive fee look like a good deal to me.

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If you’ve been thinking of riding your mountain bike in New Zealand, this seems like a great way to do it! Get more details about the Pioneer Stage Race here. Check out the promo video below for even more stoke.

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