PR Consultant Kate Mcneill just got back from the XTERRA UDC Finance Motatapu Triathlon and sent in her observations on this stunning event in New Zealand…
If there is anywhere on earth worth a spot on your ‘bucket list’ then it is New Zealand. Famous for its rugged mountains and beautiful terrain, its glorious weather and adventure sports, it really is the place to go if you want a holiday with a difference.
Which is why, when I was given the exciting opportunity to race the XTERRA UDC Finance Motatapu triathlon (www.iconicadventures.co.nz) over there, I didn’t have to be asked twice!
The Motatapu event is located at Glendhu Bay, Lake Wanaka, NZ.
Established back in 2005, Motatapu was founded as a mountain bike and marathon event. In only its first year it attracted 1,300 participants, along with a small number of supporters and sponsors. Fast forward to 2013, and there are now five events which attract over 3,500 competitors from all around the world, as well as an impressive selection of sponsors, ranging from Air New Zealand and Icebreaker right through to The Hilton, Queenstown and Volkswagen.
It’s a remarkable line up – and the event is made particularly special by the fact that the majority of the race route is only open to the general public for one day a year, making the access given to Motatapu athletes extremely exclusive.
It’s one thing for an event to offer closed roads – this is quite simply, a step beyond that.
I chose to take part in the XTERRA UDC Finance Triathlon, a 2K swim, 47K mountain bike and 15K run. This event is the longest XTERRA race in the world – and so as a first time mountain biker, it was clear that I had my work cut out.
The swim portion of the event took part in the crystal clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka. The water is so clear that it is possible to see the bottom, and so clean that we were advised that we could drink from it as we swam. I can safely say, I have never been offered this advice at any race briefing carried out in the UK.
Comprising of two laps, it never became too congested and the field spread out from an early stage, which meant it was possible to practice swim strategies and enjoy this portion of the race. T1 was only a short distance from the lake, and it was clearly laid out and kind underfoot.
Starting out on the mountain bike course, this involved a weaving ascent up into the beautiful countryside of the Motatapu Valley. The first 30km was made up of a gradual, undulating climb, before the highest point was reached at 900m. Rocky and uneven, the bike route offered a number of tough climbs, made more difficult by the dry conditions brought about from the lack of rainfall over recent months.
The descents through the Soho and Glencoe stations were challenging for me as a ‘first timer’, although the views down through the valley were beautiful, and it was at this point that the sun had really burnt through the clouds overhead, making for some spectacular views.
The final stage of the bike course involved a steep and fast decent through Soho Creek. The course then merges with the mountain run and the final 6km is a real adventure – full of fast downhill sections and multiple river and stream crossings, some up to waist deep.
Entering T2, I was relieved to leave my bike behind – and was happy to see empty spots on the bike racks, proving that I was not the last person to set out onto the run – a mini victory for me!
The first half of the run course climbs over 600m, which meant that it was more efficient for me to take long strides and increase momentum with my upper body than it was to try and run.
Climbing up high into the hills, the views stretched for miles. Underfoot varied from grassy paths, to rocky ledges to narrow sheep paths – and I chatted away to several other competitors along the way, deciding that it was more beneficial to relax and enjoy this section, rather than it was to overcook it too early on.
At 9km, the route started to traverse back down into the valley, before joining with the mountain bike course from earlier. The river crossings were a blessing, and the cold waters helped to sooth and rejuvenate my tired legs.
The finish area was lively and thronged with competitors and spectators alike, who were all out enjoying the beautiful sunny afternoon. I ended up spending a great deal of time walking around and chatting to people about the event, soaking up the rays and enjoying some lunch from one of the many providers on site.
I finished in a pleasing 6 hours 35 mins, although found out later that the winners Braden Currie and Nicky Samuels had finished in 3 hours 50, and 4 hours 20 respectively – which is absolutely phenomenal!
So, if you are considering a race overseas – this is where you should go. OK, so it’s a little further afield than mainland Europe, and it’s not quite as easy to make a ‘weekend away from home’, but if you have holiday to take, and fancy a bit of an adventure – this is it.
It is a race to test your fitness and character – and as much suited to a recreational first timer as it is an experienced elite. To find out more about the Motatapu event, and for entry details for 2014 then visit, www.iconicadventures.co.nz.
The full range of Motatapu events are as follows:
Speights Summit Mountain Bike
47km
Highest point: 877m (605m climb)
Motatapu Icebreaker Marathon
42.2km
Highest point: 877m (605m climb)
XTERRA UDC Finance Triathlon
2km swim, 47km mountain bike, 15km mountain run
Course elevation
MTB: 877m (605m climb)
Run: 1047m (640m climb)
R&R Sport Multisport
15km river kayak, 55km mountain bike, 15km mountain run
MTB: 877m (605m climb)
Run: 1047m (640m climb)
Arrowtown.com Miners Trail
15km mountain run
Course Elevation
Run: 1047m (640m climb)
