Save the Date | Torpedo7 Supporting Queenstown Series
Organisers of the Queenstown Bike Festival are staging two Coronet Enduro races next year as outdoor equipment and clothing retailer, Torpedo7 renews its support for 2015.
The first event, run by festival director Geoff Hunt’s company Southern Traverse Ltd, takes place on Saturday 17 January with the second race on Friday 20 March as part of the Queenstown Bike Festival that runs from 14-22 March. Both start at Coronet Peak ski area but specific details of the route will not be revealed until close to race day.
Torpedo7 events sponsorship manager, James Mulcahy said the growing popularity of enduro-style events and the quality of local organisation were very appealing factors.
“Torpedo7 is stoked to again be involved with the Coronet Enduros. It’s a no-brainer for us given the broad appeal to a range of riders,” he said.
“Queenstown Mountain Bike Club always lay down some of the best trails around and with the team from Southern Traverse running the show, we have no doubt these will be two of the hottest events on the Southern Lakes MTB calendar.”
Southern Traverse ran the first enduro event in Queenstown in 2013 and built on that with two races earlier this year. The second of these, held during the 2014 Queenstown Bike Festival, attracted nearly one hundred riders for a five stage, 13.75 kilometre timed race starting at Coronet Peak base lodge and ending on the valley floor around five hours later. Joe Nation from Christchurch won the men’s race while Nelson’s Meg Bichard took the women’s title.
Festival director, Geoff Hunt said demand was increasing both locally and internationally for this relatively new style of MTB event.
“Queenstown continues to grow as an international mountain biking destination through every season. We have some of the best possible terrain for enduro riding right here. The new January race means anyone here on holiday can enjoy the local trails with added competitive spice. Keeping the exact route a secret means the locals don’t have it all their own way as last year’s results proved!” he said.
Online entries are now open for both Coronet Enduros along with other 2015 Queenstown Bike Festival events including the Vertigo Bikes Super D, Dirtmasters Downhill and Merrell Tour de Wakatipu. Riders keen to tackle the challenging Mega Avalanche from the main ridge of the Remarkables down to the valley floor will be able to register in the New Year.
The Queenstown Bike Festival runs from 14-22 March with the Merrell Tour de Wakatipu taking place on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015. For more information visit www.queenstownbikefestival.com.
Photos: Callum Wood
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