NZ Nationals Downhill Series announced

In an exciting development for the Downhill MTB community, a brand new 6 race National Series has been launched today. A collaborative effort from clubs throughout the country. Motivated by a desire to put on a series of quality events that not only showcases New Zealand’s World Class talent, but also provide opportunities to develop young and up-coming riders.

The clubs are proud to announce a 6 race series, consisting of 3 events in each Island.

January 7th - Auckland (440 MTB Park)
January 14th - Napier
January 21st - Auckland (Dome Valley)

January 28th - Nelson 
February 11th - Christchurch (Gravity Canterbury)
February 18th - Dunedin (Signal Hill)

The Series schedule has been designed to provide athletes with the best possible preparation and build up to the pinnacle event of the year. The 2017 NZ National Championships on the weekend of February 25/26th at the Cardrona Alpine resort near Wanaka.

 All event’s will feature a cash prize pool awarded on fastest riders overall. A rider’s best 4 results will count towards the overall series title. All events will also provide the chance for riders to earn “Silver” status points towards their NZ Crown national rankings

 Events will be run utilising a one-day format, currently utilised by the popular NZDH North Island series. Former Professional Kieran Bennett sees this as a positive step forward.

“I think it’s a positive move. The one-day format is a great idea I think, as makes it so much more affordable. I think this is what needed to happen for DH to continue to grow.”

Bennett has reacted enthusiastically to the news. “I’m really excited to see the new series kick off its first season in 2017. National level MTB has been struggling a little in recent years and this is exactly what downhill mountain biking in NZ needed to keep progressing. Having been involved in downhill for over 15 years I have seen how vital a good series is to growing the sport and also help develop the skills and speed of our junior racers.”

 It is a passion and motivation shared by many. And the precise reason many have stepped forward to collaborate and make this happen. Kirsty Booth from MountainBike Otago echoed the thoughts of many

“The exciting thing about this new series is seeing clubs working together to provide what is not only a great outcome for our club members but the greater DH community. It was important to get involved as races are a huge part of rider development. It was ever so pleasing to be out in touch with motivated and likeminded people wanting do what is good for the sport. It was important to create the current format to continue to develop riders and provide race preparation prior to the National Champs.”

Further announcements detailing the events will be made in the near future. Keep an eye on the Descend DH website, and also NZ Crown

ENDS