Day Zero - 2018 Trans NZ

As Cyclone Gita storms the South Island, the 2018 Yeti Tranz NZ presented by Shimano preps for its fourth year of enduro, racing New Zealand’s most epic and tantalizing trails.






The race will commence in Craigieburn Forest Park, where racers are thrown straight into the gauntlet on steep, exposed, rocky and rooty trails. Talk to any local and they will grin with delight when you mention Craigieburn – the tracks are that good. After two days of exploring the contrast of high-alpine and dense beech forests, racers will be transported across the South Island to Queenstown, the 'Adventure Capital of the World', for three days of exploring the area’s best trails from a local’s perspective.





With 85% of the racers taking on the Yeti Trans NZ for the first time, there will be many new perspectives to be shared throughout the week. Every other day of reporting will be viewed through a different lens – amateurs, foreigners, locals, volunteers, media, medics, pros and of course the wizard, herself, behind the curtain.





Eleven countries will be represented in the field of 130 racers with 32 percent calling New Zealand home. The field is split half and half between Masters and Open racers. Despite the low-key “race” aspect surrounding the Yeti Trans NZ, the event attracts a high calibre of racers who are keen to go as fast as they can, while having a fun time doing it.


France's Jerome Clementz is a consistent contender for the top of the box. Paul Van der Ploeg from Australia returns to best his third place at the 2017 Yeti Trans NZ. American Yeti rider Tom Sampson is new to the enduro scene but has the legs and skills to push his way up. New Zealnader, Kashi Leuchs, ex-Olympian and NZ Yeti distributor, has a target on his back in the Master 40+ Men’s category. You can never rule out the underdogs who will emerge throughout the week.




Coming out of British Columbia, Emily Slaco knows a thing or two about riding in wet, slippery conditions. New Zealander Melissa Newell a.k.a. “Mops”, will be racing too.

With the forecast looming over us, the field will inevitably be shuffled around by the conditions, skills, local knowledge, and a little luck with mechanicals and keeping it rubber side down.





Follow the action on Pinkbike for updates. The Yeti Trans NZ will be posting regular updates on Facebook and Instagram throughout the week, and video recaps on Vimeo. For more information email megan@ridingbc.com or visit www.transnz.com.


About Megan Rose – Megan has been riding and racing bikes all over the world for 13 years and organizing bike events for the past nine years. She splits her time between British Columbia, Canada and New Zealand, running Trans BC 6 Day Enduro, and running the Trans NZ 5 Day Enduro race. Over the past five years, Megan has personally raced in over 40 enduro races, timed over 60 days worth of enduro races, and organized 30+ enduro races. Megan and her team look forward to bringing you the best of the best from all of these perspectives.


About Yeti Cycles – Founded in 1985, Yeti Cycles make race-bred, obsessively engineered, masterfully crafted mountain bike proven by the fastest riders in the most demanding conditions. Based in Golden, Colorado, Yeti is owned and staffed by riders who are more likely to be out riding the company’s latest creation that sitting in a conference room. Visit www.yeticycles.com for more details.

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Racing and Events Yeti Shimano