The Pioneer attracts 300plus teams

THE Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage race has reached capacity.

More than 300 teams have entered for the third edition of the sixday event starting on November 25 in Queenstown.

A significant revamp of the race is set to take riders through Central Otago in teams of two on a 430km course, including 15,500m of climbing.

Stages pass through Alexandra, Bannockburn and Arrowtown.

Race director Bec Williams said race organisers were thrilled with the response.

‘‘The response from the mountain bike community has just been amazing and reinforces not only the wonderful feedback we received from the first two editions of The Pioneer, but endorses the changes and tough decisions we made to safeguard the longterm future of a remarkable event, one that is truly worldclass.’’

She said this year’s race was a mix of both point to point and clover leaf riding.

That meant there were fewer overnight locations and riders could settle in without having to pack their bags and tents everyday.

It would also be more userfriendly for spectators, being able to base themselves on location for the week and driving to viewing areas each day.

The organisers’ focus was now to deliver as good an experience as it could for the competitors.

‘‘We have made the decision to put up the soldout signs today with the experience of our riders first and foremost in our minds.

‘‘There is no doubt that The Pioneer will grow in capacity and attract even more riders from here and overseas, but we will do that within our means, always protecting the things that make the event special to each and every rider on a very personal level.’’