Contact Epic organisers Aaron and Danielle Nicholson have announced the cancellation of the 2023 event.

The April 1 mountain bike event around Lake Hāwea has been running since 2008, attracting 600-800 riders from New Zealand and Australia each year.

The Nicholsons announced the news on the Contact Epic website and via email to competitors.

“It is with the deepest regret that we have had to cancel the 2023 Contact Epic event.

“We have a major health crisis that requires an immediate and long term focus. It has been sudden so we apologise for the timing.

“We realise this will not just be disappointing but also extremely inconvenient for a large number of you. We are very sorry for this.”

People who have registered are entitled to a 75 percent refund which would be actioned over the coming weeks, they said. 

After numerous cancellations due to Covid-19 in recent years, Aaron said early last month that the organisers were excited for the Contact Epic to be back this year.

Read more: New race for Contact Epic

“Stay riding, stay safe and have an epic day on April 1 – whatever that looks like for you,” the Nicholsons said in their recent statement.

PHOTO: Wānaka App