Karapoti Classic
Record Field for 20th Karapoti Classic
Michael Jacques / 02.03.2005
In mountain biking circles the first Sunday in March means the Karapoti Classic! And in 2005, a record number of riders are converging from all over the world for the 20th anniversary of New Zealand's favourite mountain bike race.More than 1200 mountain bikers from 11 countries and all ends of New Zealand converge on the Wellington region for an uncompromising, some would say cruel, 50km of 4WD trails, gnarly single track, wheel sucking sludge, raging river crossings, wall to wall wilderness and huge hills, that as horrific as it sounds is also the site of New Zealand's favourite mountain bike race - the Giant Bicycles Karapoti Classic.
Hidden deep within Upper Hutt's Akatarawa Ranges this annual festival of mountain biking is the longest running mountain bike race in Australasia. In 20 years it has developed a very real culture of innovative, spectacular scenery, an exciting social scene, and a challenge that is at the same time unique, uncompromising and achievable.
The course is a must for every keen mountain biker. The full 50km "Classic" revolves around three huge hills, each climbing to almost 600m. But each climb is split by a series of defining elements, such as the "Rock Garden" - a 2km descent complete with boulders the size of soccer balls and drop-offs the size of your bike; or the "Devils Staircase" - a 2km long climb up a series of hand cut steps split by knee deep bogs; or "Big Ring Boulevard" - a super-fast 8km descent down a 4WD road.
For 20 years this course and the organisation behind it has been the benchmark for New Zealand mountain biking. The prestigious American cycling magazine, Velonews, ranks Karapoti among the top 25 races in the world. As well as the oldest New Zealand mountain bike event it is also the most prestigious, with a $30,000 prize pool and a world-class field.
Past winners have included former world number ones such as American Susan DeMattei. New Zealand's legendary Kathy Lynch dominated the event with eight wins in the 1990s and has the current women's record of 2hrs 49min 42secs. Kiwi Olympian Kashi Leuchs, currently among the world's top 10, holds the men's record at 2hrs 20min 46secs. Last year both the men's and women's races were dominated by Australians, with two-time world junior champion Lisa Mathison winning the women's race and then going on to finish 10th at the Olympics.
Both Aussies were set to defend their titles again in the 20th anniversary event, but Hatton recently broke his wrist while Mathison has suffered illness. This leaves their compatriot and 2004 runner-up, Tim Bennett, as favourite for this weekend's race. Bennett is among Australia's top 10 mountain bikers and specialises in gruelling endurance epics such as Karapoti. But he'll face several previous winners, including Swiss-based Nelsonian Tim Vincent and Christchurch rider Julian Mitchell. See All Event Posts
