Southern showdown at Motatapu Icebreaker

Two of this country’s finest international mountain-bikers will clash at the fifth Motatapu Icebreaker scheduled for 14 March over a spectacular course between Wanaka and Arrowtown.

The combined 50 km mountain-bike and off road marathon event attracts cyclists and
runners from throughout New Zealand along with a growing number of international
competitors, particularly from Australia.

Kashi Leuchs and Marcus Roy are expected to set the 50 kilometre course on fire as fourtime winner and course record-holder Roy, is challenged by Olympic representative and experienced international competitor, Leuchs.

First-timer Kashi Leuchs has a wealth of international racing experience to draw on
including thirteen consecutive appearances at the World MTB Champs and is not
intimidated by the prospect of challenging Roy’s record.

“I’m inspired by the great races and incredible scenery we have in this country and look forward to the race,” Dunedin based Leuchs said. “This event is really going to help my build-up for the World MTB circuit which I’m returning to with my new team, Felt International, later in March.”

Invercargill based Roy has the benefit of local knowledge having raced all previous four events. This becomes an issue when the course is only open once a year – on race-day.

“Being familiar with the course is an advantage” said Roy, who has been racing and
training in the heat and over similar terrain to Motatapu Icebreaker during the holiday
period. “I know Kashi will want to do well but I don’t usually worry too much about the
competition.”

For many participants the course is as much the attraction as the competition. From Lake Wanaka to Arrowtown, the route traverses the iconic landscapes of three of Central Otago’s most handsome (and private) high country properties and is strictly a once a year opportunity.

Competitors follow unsealed farm roads and stock tracks over open tussock country and through multiple stream and river crossings, climbing nearly 600 vertical metres up onto the expansive sub-alpine tussock-lands lying in the shadow of Mount Soho.

The course then descends steeply into the historic gold mining area of Soho Creek and the Arrow Gorge to finish at Arrowtown.

With the 2,000 field limit bike field sold out before Christmas, the marathon is now the
only option for would-be Motatapians. One of just a few off-road marathons in the
country, the event attracted nearly 600 entries last year including a growing number of
walkers. The marathon closes for entries at 9am on 9 February.