The Prospector MTB Stage Race

Perfect conditions as the 2023 Prospector MTB Race kicks off in Alexandra

Press Release / 10.03.2023

The best of New Zealand’s mountain bikers have descended on Alexandra in Central Otago to fight it out for the third edition of The Prospector MTB Stage Race. The weather couldn’t have been better, with high clouds and hardly a breath of wind making it ideal racing conditions as the riders lined up on the Prologue Start line at the Matangi Station MTB car park.

Number 1 seeds Ben Oliver and teammate Eddie Adams, racing under NZ Cycling Project – MitoQ, were first over the start line, which saw riders set off at 30-second intervals. With riding fast and furious at the front, they wound their way around the 18-kilometre loop on stunning Central Otago single track. But it was Team Julbo – Akatrax, made up of Craig Oliver and Ethan Rose, who ended up taking line honours in a time of 46 mins and 59 seconds, with an 11-second lead over Talley’s Cameron Jones and Matt Wilson, as they head into Stage 1 tomorrow at Earnscleugh Station. 

“We’re stoked to be sitting in the top spot. It’s good to get a stage win under the belt on the first day. Hopefully, the legs are feeling good tomorrow and we can extend our lead on the last few climbs,” adds Rose.

The women's field is strong once again this year, with Priscilla Thompson and Mary Gary topping the table in a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes and 13 seconds, 18 minutes ahead of second place Jennifer Tregurtha and Leah Stewart.

“It was awesome,” adds Thompson. “We’re super happy with our day. It’s our first time riding as a team, so it was cool to see how we ride together and we’ve set ourselves up well for the rest of the weekend.”

Defending champions Kiwi Samara Sheppard and her Australian Partner Kyle Ward have once again proved they’re the team to beat in the Mixed category, finishing the day with a seven-minute lead over Top Gear Cycle’s Gabby Buchannan and Karl Laurence, in a time of 57 minutes and 18 seconds. 

“We really enjoyed today, and we can’t wait for tomorrow. Stage 1 is always a hard stage; it will be a good challenge out at Earnscleugh. We really enjoy that adventure style of riding and the landscapes we get to see and the final descent is always lots of fun,” adds Sheppard.

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.