Pre race report: Giant 2W Gravity Enduro Race

Fast single track, wicked bikes and New Zealand’s best Enduro riders—that’s the
recipe for a mind-blowing contest.

As the Rotorua Bike Festival amps up into its second week the anticipation grows for
the sold out Giant 2W Gravity Enduro.
Building on the success of the inaugural event last year the Giant 2W Gravity Enduro
is a sell-out event this year at 450 riders, making it New Zealand’s largest Enduro
field.

The event is a gold category Enduro event in the NZ Mtb Crown – so big points are
up for grabs, as well as heaps of prizes from the events wonderful sponsors and
prize money from the 2W coffers.

The field is stacked with talent from as many as 18 countries. Top riders expected to
be competing for podium spots include Jamie Nicoll, 2013 EWS no.8 ranked rider as
a privateer, signed for Team Polygon UR for 2014 Enduro World Series and winner
of 2013 Urge 3Peaks Enduro & recently 2nd behind Justin Leov at The Dodzy
Memorial Enduro in Nelson.

No doubt Justin Leov, 2013 EWS no.11 ranked rider with Trek, signed for Trek
Factory Racing again for 2014 Enduro World Series, will be aiming to continue his
recent success at The Dodzy Memorial Enduro.
Other top competitors are Sam Shaw who rides Yeti and was the winner of the
February 2013, Giant 2W Gravity Enduro. Matt Walker won the October 2013 Giant
2W Gravity Enduro on a Giant bike. Wyn Masters (17th at 2013 ICU World Mtb
Champs DH) and Tom Lamb the winner 2012 Urge 3Peaks Enduro. There’s also
Byron Scott, winner of the 2014 Go Native Enduro as well as Kurt Lancaster who
was 3rd behind Jamie & Justin at The Dodzy Memorial Enduro; plus Mike Metz who is
a local Bike Culture owner/operator and very handy in any bike format; so picking the
overall men’s winner is anyone’s guess.

In the women’s field Yeti rider Rosara Joseph, finishing 2013 EWS ranked no.7,
winner February 2013 Giant 2W Gravity Enduro, winner of the 2013 Urge 3Peaks
Enduro & recent winner of the The Dodzy Memorial Enduro is a stand out amongst
the field. But snappy at her heels will be Raewyn Morrison the October 2013 Giant
2W Gravity Enduro winner on board a Giant plus Jenna Makgill runner up in
February & October 2013 Giant 2W Gravity Enduro’s, a Liv/giant Sponsored Rider.
Meg Bichard the recent Top Gun winner and 5th at The Dodzy Memorial Enduro, plus
local favourite Gabby Molloy who was recently 3rd at The Dodzy Memorial Enduro
and riding for POC, Marzocchi, ENVE New Zealand; are two more riders with the
potential to upset.

Come race day riders will be released from Eat Streat in the centre of Rotorua in
groups of four every 15 seconds between 10am & 10:30am. They will have six hours
to complete six special race stages in Whakareawrewa Forest and return back to the
start/finish.
Whether you’re a recreational rider or at the pointy end of the field, one things for
sure, Dare2Sweat Events Race Director/Event Organiser Neil Gellatly has a
phenomenal day organised for Enduro mtb enthusiasts.

Can’t wait—see you there.

For more information, refer to the event website www.2w.co.nz

Words: Katrine Gellatly | Photos: www.dscribe.co.nz

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.