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SATURDAY 10 MARCH 2012

Reserve Day Sunday 11 March 2012

Start and Finish

Start: Glendhu Bay, Wanaka
End: Butlers Green, Arrowtown

Key Dates

Race Day: Sat 10 March 2012
Reserve Day: Sun 11 March 2012
Entries Open: 1 July 2011 @ 9am
Refunds Closed: 1 Dec 2011
Entries Closed: 30 Jan 2012 - waitlist applies, email waitlist@iconicadventures.co.nz if you wish to be added to the waitlist.
Entry Transfers/Changes Close:
15 Feb 2012 @ 5pm

Entry Fees

Adult: $140
Junior (15-18): $95

Race Day Timing

Registration: 8am-10:30am
Briefing: 10:35-10:50am
Elite Start: 11am
Team Ricoh Start: 11:05am
All other start times TBC
Cut-Off at Aid Station 2: 3pm
Prize Giving: Approximately 4pm

Race Records

Male: Anton Cooper 1.48.43
Female: Kath Kelly 2.20.05
For further records & interesting stats, click here.

COMPULSORY MTB BIKE & GEAR CHECKS

Checks Open: Thursday 16 February @ 9am
Checks Close: Thursday 8 March @ 5pm

If you are entered in the Motatapu MTB event you must complete compulsory MTB Bike & Gear Check - they are effectively "warrants of fitness" for your bike, helmet, tool kit, first aid kit and clothing. These checks can only be completed at official Motatapu partner stores in the 3 weeks prior to the event. You'll only need the relevant MTB Bike equipment or MTB Gear - race number and/or registration details are not required. Please note that some people outside of the main centres may need to go to two different stores in order to complete these checks. We recommend having the MTB Bike Check done sooner rather than later in case you need to have any repair work done. Only those who have passed the MTB Bike & Gear Checks, or have pre-arranged to have their MTB Bike Check done on race day, will be allowed to start the Motatapu Event. No Checks, No Start! You can view the compulsory Bike & Gear lists by clicking on these links:

What's Being Checked?

During the MTB Bike Check your bike, tool kit and helmet will be checked - to read about how the check works, click here.

During the MTB Gear Check your layers and first aid kit will be checked - to read the compulsory & recommended gear lists, click here.

Why Do We Do Checks?

“Minimum gear requirements have been put in place for your own personal safety and with good reason – we are, after all, racing through alpine terrain where things can go pear shaped very quickly. The gear requirements are the same for everyone so there is no excuse for leaving it behind.” - Mark Williams, Adventure Racer

While we cannot gauge your personal fitness level, we can help ensure that you have sufficient safe Bike equipment and gear to enable you to complete the course – the fitness side of things is up to you! All competitors must carry the same compulsory equipment and clothing so no one is disadvantaged. It's also worth remembering the following...

Responsibility - When you are in the mountains you are the person primarily responsible for your own personal safety and appropriate gear. There may not be someone nearby to assist you when needed.

Weather conditions - The weather can close in and become freezing with whiteout conditions at anytime of the year in this region - you do not want to be stuck out there without sufficient warm gear if you are injuried.

Access - Many parts of the course are inaccessible by large vehicles so there is no quick way out of the area. The only exception is if you experience a medical emergency.

Imagine completing months of training, only to have your bike break on race day and having to walk the rest of the way. Devastating... During the first few years of the race we removed dozens of bikes from the course due to mechanical failure. Since making MTB Bike Checks compulsory, we’ve only had to remove the bikes of injured competitors who left the course by some other means (4WD, helicopter etc). In other words, these checks work!

Where Do I Get Them Done?

Your MTB Bike & Gear Checks can only be completed at official Motatapu Partner stores, a list of these stores will be updated on the website later in the year. The checks can only be completed between 16 February 2012, 9am - 8 March 2012, 5pm.

Pass or Fail?

We recommend getting your MTB Bike Check done as early as possible in case any repair work needs to be done.

Pass! If your gear passes the checks your name will be marked off on our online site by the Motatapu official gear check store. Once the check period begins, you'll be able to view through your Iconic Profile if your check has been recorded.

Fail... If your bike fails the MTB Bike Check, the store will complete a form, much like a "warrant of fitness", so that you know what you need to get fixed. You should then get those repairs done and return for a re-test. Once your bike passes you'll be marked off as above.

Please be respectful of the MTB Bike Check mechanics – they are simply doing their job by following our instructions and ensuring your safety on race day.

Spot Checks

We will also be performing spot checks throughout the race to ensure people are carrying the compulsory equipment and clothing at all times. These will be done at the start line, throughout the course and at the finish; paying particular attention to all place getters. Any infringement may result in disqualification or removal from the event.