The Prospector MTB Stage Race

Exciting Competition Anticipated at this weekend’s The Prospector MTB Stage Race

Press Release / 07.03.2023

Mountain bikers from New Zealand and Australia are preparing for an intense and thrilling competition as the third edition of The Prospector MTB Stage race gets underway in Alexandra this weekend. This year's event is expected to be more competitive than ever before, with strong riders across all categories.

The Elite Men's team event is packed with the best of the best when it comes to mountain biking. NZ Cycling Project – MitoQ is the team to beat, featuring Ben Oliver, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and two-time defending champion, and his new teammate, the local up-and-comer, Eddie Adams, who recently placed third at the recent Torpedo7 Mountain Bike National Championships at Coronet Peak. 

However, Team Talleys, last year's second-place getters, have a strong chance of taking the top spot this year, with Cameron Jones and Matthew Wilson, who just won the national title, in their ranks. They are expected to give MitoQ a run for their money.

Team Julbo - Akatrax, consisting of Craig Oliver and Ethan Rose, also poses a strong challenge, having achieved impressive results at national championships and both having been on the podium before. A strong performance is expected from them.

Adding to the excitement of the race are the Aussie boys, Double Trouble - Reece and Reesy, featuring Reece Tucknott and Brent Rees, who are strong performers on the Australian mountain bike scene. Their presence ensures a thrilling trans-Tasman rivalry, and they are expected to be competitive against the top kiwi riders.

In the Mixed Team category, Samara Sheppard, originally from Clyde and now living in Australia, and Aussie partner Kyle Ward are back again to defend their 2022 title. Samara is a multiple National and Oceania MTB champion and is thrilled that she can return once again to race on her home turf. They will be pitted against the tough competition of Gabby Buchanan and Carl Lawrence, both Kiwi riders who are sure to give them a run for their money.

In the Women's category, all eyes will be on Team Mitoq, comprising Priscilla Thompson and Sarah Gilbert, who was part of the winning women's team last year. Both elite riders are expected to put on an impressive performance.

The male masters and male grand-masters categories are also set to be highly competitive, with several strong teams vying for the top spot.

Furthermore, the local riders are expected to put on a strong show across all categories and represent their hometown with pride.

"We are excited to see such strong competition in each category this year," said Race Director and Co-Founder Jimmy Williamson. "It promises to be an exciting few days, and we cannot wait to see how the riders perform."

The Prospector is an iconic mountain bike stage race based in Alexandra, New Zealand. Its technical difficulty sets it apart, but what truly makes it unique is the terrain, which is unlike anything else in New Zealand or the rest of the world. The rocky, dry singletrack is unparalleled, making it an ideal location for exceptional mountain biking experiences.

Entries are still open for the Matangi Claim Adventure Ride. Held on Sunday, this one day epic ride will see riders join our Prospectors for the final stage of the race. Riders will get a taste of the amazing riding that Central Otago has on offer and experience a whole new side of Matangi Station MTB.