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WHY RIDE THE WHAKA 100?
We're the largest mass-participation MTB marathon event in the Southern Hemisphere, and by reputation one of the toughest. Unique in the world thanks to the hundreds of kilometers of IMBA Gold Standard, world-class singletrack. Built in volcanic dirt. weaving through native rainforests and managed forest. You won't ride anything quite like it in the world. Professional athlete participation is a key part of raising the profile of the Whaka 100, and supports our journey to host the UCI World Championships in the next five years. GET YOUR APPLICATION IN We offer elite athletes a range of support on application and by invitation. Application is not a guarantee of approval and support packages are limited. |
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CRITERIA & SUPPORT
TIER 1 - Selection Criteria
- Elite winner of a current Whaka100 event 2023, or
- Athlete with top 20 UCI XCO individual ranking, or
- New Zealand/Australian Elite XCO or XCM Champion, or
- Current winner of major international MTB Marathon races – e.g. UCI sanctioned XCM event
- Guaranteed and free race entry
- License-free imagery of your time at the event
TIER 2 - Selection Criteria
- Previous Elite winner of past Whaka100 (2019-22) , or
- Athlete with top 21-50 UCI XCO individual ranking, or
- Winner or podium finisher of a major endurance event 2022/23 eg, Xterra World Champs, Cape Epic, etc
- or an international notable rider for any other reason.
- Up to $1000NZD travel grant^. Payable 7 days after competing in the event
- Up to 3 nights free race week accommodation for 2
- Guaranteed and free race entry
- License-free imagery of your time at the event
TIER 3 - Selection Criteria
- Elite Podium Finisher of the current Whaka100 event (2023) , or
- Overall age group winner of the Whaka100 (2023) , or
- Winner or podium finisher of major UCI MTB races, (2022-23) or
- Winners of large domestic or international MTB races (2022-23), or
- Winner or podium finisher of a major endurance event 2023 eg, Xterra World Champs, Cape Epic, Coast to Coast
- Discounted Accommodation offer *
- Guaranteed and free race entry *
- License-free imagery of your time at the event *
Athlete obligations
- Enter and participate in the Elite Whaka 100km race and Whaka Eliminator
- Be available for minimum of two, 10 minute media engagements, between your arrival and Sunday 27 October
- Be available to take part in at least two race week activities such as talks, group rides, podcasts etc
- Attend the offical prize giving on race day
- Participate in the kids event e.g. ride alongside them and hand out finisher medals
- Posts on your social media channels about your participation. Minimum of two posts between sign-up and 24 October.
- Take part in at least one destination activity organised by RotoruaNZ, such as white water rafting, luge, geothermal or cultural visit etc*
- Posts on your social media channels about your arrival in Rotorua & the event, two posts during the event weekend 20 -27 October. We can provide support in images, video and copy.
- Provide feedback on the event to help us reach our vision for the event.
