Wānaka’s five-time Coast to Coast champion Simone Maier will join three of New Zealand’s most decorated adventure racers for this year’s One NZ GODZONE in Marlborough.

The world champion will line up alongside Chris Forne, Sophie Hart and Stu Lynch as Team Rab for the 650km expedition race from November 27 to December 5, 2025.

The four have a long history of racing together in different combinations, including securing victory at the 2023 AR World Champs in Paraguay.

“Having a team that you have a good connection with, like Sophie, Stu and Simone, does make a difference to how enthusiastic you are to race and what you get out of it,” Chris said.

“Having raced with Sophie and Simone separately before, it will be fun to race all together.”

With ten titles to his name, Chris is widely regarded as the most successful GODZONE athlete. He has also claimed seven AR world championships and an Eco Challenge Fiji win. He said he was looking forward to the race’s navigational challenges and exploring Marlborough’s fresh terrain.

Sophie has seven GODZONE wins to her name and said she was excited to race in her home area and reunite with her former teammates.

“I think when you're in a world champion team and you're leading the race, there can be a lot of pressure, but I enjoy racing with Chris and Stu and am looking forward to getting the team back together this time with Simone Maier,” she said.

PURE ADVENTURE Charitable Trust spokesperson Rob Nichol said Team Rab would be the ones to watch.

“Without a doubt, they will be the serious favourites going into the race and are most definitely the team to try and beat,” he said.

The full course will be revealed when the event starts in Blenheim on November 27.

Find out more about the GODZONE adventure race here.

PHOTO: Supplied