A field full of good guys racing the hardest course to date, and a ‘stunning day on a stunning track” was race director Aaron Nicholson’s summary of this year’s Contact Epic bike race around Lake Hāwea, which took place on Saturday (April 17).

Excessive rain had meant the Hunter River and tributaries were unsafe to cross, causing organisers to reroute the same distances up past Dingle Burn Station and back. 

While circumnavigation of Lake Hāwea was the preferred option, riders were positive about the change and understood that you don’t get to ride the most scenic MTB racer in New Zealand without being in some serious country, organisers said.

The generosity and selflessness of the riders set the tone for the day, with tools loaned, times elongated due to helping others, phones picked up and returned, and constant support found along the way. 

Kath Kelley celebrating her 13th year riding. PHOTO: Studio 5

The Contact Epic has always had a unique sense of camaraderie and this year was no different, organisers said.

There was more climbing in the alternative route and muddier conditions meant a very tough ride and well-earned finisher medal. Of the 660 who started only four people were injured and required evacuation, while five did not finish due to mechanical issues - testament to the quality of the riders.

Centurion riders completed their 100 miles by starting at 5am with the 35km Traverse track before heading out onto the Epic (125km) course.

This was the first year Anton Cooper was able to race the Contact Epic due to delays getting to Europe for the start of the cross country race season, and he made the most of the opportunity, coming first in the 125km Epic with a time of four hours and 43 minutes. 

Brent Pihama was the first ebike rider over the line. PHOTO: Studio 5

Ten minutes behind him was Invercargill’s Josh Burnett followed by Oamaru’s Sullivan Martin 23 minutes later.

The women’s Epic was won by Kate McIlroy from Wellington in five hours and 24 minutes. Second went to Rebecca Kingsford (5:55) and third, Sarah Gilbert (6:04).

The Centurion merit winners were all within ten minutes over the finish line despite having ridden 160km. Louis Clark from Auckland came in with a time of 7:23, followed by Wellington’s Reon Nolan second, and Wanaka’s John Metzger third. Only two women took on the 100 mile challenge: Ronel Cook (8:34) and Tracey Crosby (8:37).

The Classic riders followed the Epic winners in, but due to the course change, they had to ride 105km instead of 95Km. James McDonald from Alexandra was first with a time of 4:52, Andrew Fraser from Dunedin was second (5:07) followed closely by Henry Summerville from Auckland (5:09). 

The women’s open was taken by Canterbury’s Priscilla Thompson (5:49). Second went to Christchurch’s Nicola Sprung (5:56) and third, Oamaru’s Beatrice Day (6:04).

The 35km Open Traverse division was won by Auckland’s Isaac Alexander (2:35) and Alexandra’s Paula Race (1:56).

With a little help from BOSCH the Classic and Traverse rides were opened up to e-bikers for the first time. Wanaka local Brent Pihama, celebrating his 60th birthday, showed the value of an ebike by being first over the line at four hours and 37 minutes.

Over $15000 is directly donated to community groups from LMS Events and Contact from the race, along with money raised for the Pony Club (tea and scones) and Girl Guides (bike wash), resulting in almost $20,000 going back in to support the community.

Race director Aaron Nicholson thanked Contact Energy for their enduring support and partnership for such a great community event, and the riders for bringing their A game to the race. Organisers have started planning for next year already.