Race route announced for Pioneer stage race

The Pioneer was announced in early 2015, as a week long stage race along the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Running from Christchurch to Queenstown, the route promised to be epic, with early guesses of at least 3000m climbing and over 100km each day. Thankfully, the route announced today is not so tough – but it’s no walk in the park. 546km will be covered, with 15 057m of ascension. While the first day near Christchurch is quite short, and followed by a transfer further south, the next 6 days are truly remarkable.

“The stage race is not limited to hard-core mountain bike riders requiring extreme technical skill to take part. The route is a combination of New Zealand Cycle trails, well graded tracks and exciting off-the-grid pathways, all of which will be achievable for a range of endurance athletes,” said race ambassador, New Zealand multi-sport and adventure race legend, Steve Gurney.

“This race will take your breath away – not just because your lungs will be screaming and your legs burning, but because the spectacular scenery of our great nation will leave riders breathless – whether you are a Kiwi or overseas visitor, you will never have experienced a race like this one.”

The Pioneer Promo Video 2016 from The Pioneer on Vimeo.

Starting on January 31st, this stage race is for teams of two, and is full-service. You just need to think about racing your bike each day. It finishes on Waitangi day in Queenstown on February 6th. For full details head to the event website.

COURSE DETAILS

• Highest point on the course: 1593m - Stage 7 Quartz Knoll

• Longest leg: 111km – Stage 4 from Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau

• Longest descent: 11km - Stage 7 Rock Peak to Queenstown Cycle Trail

• Longest climb: 52km - Stage 2 from Geraldine up to a high point on the Meikleburn Station. This is a long and gradual climb which has minor areas of descent and flat with a total ascent of 751m

• Highest climb: 1282m - Stage 6 from Albert Town at 280m up to 1562m on the Snow Farm. Distance 30km

Course Stage Information

Stage 1 - Christchurch Prologue: Distance 37km Elevation 870m

Stage 2 – Geraldine to Fairlie: Distance 106km Elevation 2480m

Stage 3 – Fairlie to Lake Tekapo: Distance 74km Elevation 2486m

Stage 4 – Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau: Distance 111km Elevation 1863m

Stage 5 – Lake Ohau to Hawea: Distance 107km Elevation 3824m

Stage 6 – Hawea to Snow Farm: Distance 60km Elevation 1984m

Stage 7 – Snow Farm to Queenstown: Distance 52km Elevation 1550m

Course Terrain Information

Farm Track/4WD – 52%

Gravel Road – 20%

Single Track/Cycle Trail – 19%

Sealed Road 9%