NZenduro

The NZ enduro is a three day backcountry blind enduro racing adventure. It operates on mostly Dept. of Conservation land under an incredibly stringent Health and Safety Plan. We dont take health and safety lightly. There are three of NZ’s top ER Doctors and surgeons moving with the riders at all times. There is also a doctor at every stage finish or startline communicating with starters finishes and on track marshals. There is a race briefing every day with a detailed stage briefing explaining possible stage hazards and obstacles. Any obstacle that can’t be rolled safely are clearly marked and identified with signage and tape. Gap jumps or blind doubles are taped out. Our original day three (Wakamarina Heli Drop) was cancelled due to unsafe flying conditions and thus no emergency flight evacuation options. We are lucky enough to be able to use Justin Leov’s Jentree MTB as our bad weather option for our final day as previously identified and planned. Event village and race briefing was held right at the river crossing which is a regular feature of the XC loop and used in XC races here. Riders had the opportunity to ride the crossing and inspect the river, it’s depth and it’s bottom contours. It was at the bottom of our shortest stage of the whole race and was clearly visible from the start line. Riders were able to watch and work out what techniques worked and what didn’t. They also need to have working brakes on their bikes before they start and are free to decide when to use them. The NZ enduro is one of the toughest enduro races on the planet held on some of the most technical natural tracks made even more difficult by the wet and slippery conditions racers faced on the first two days. Day three was a welcomed fun day of racing on much more mellower trails. We congratulate all our racers for making it through such a tough week of riding and racing. Also thanks to our team of top World Cup and EWS photographers and filters for their spectacular coverage of the event.