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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. Support application closes 30 September unless allocated prior. |
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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
- Up to $500NZD travel grant^. Payable 7 days after competing in 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 $250NZD travel grant^. Payable 7 days after competing in the event
- 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
- 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/or Whaka Eliminator
- Be available for minimum of two, 10 minute media engagements, between your arrival and Sunday 27 October
- Attend the offical prize giving on race day
- Ride with in the kids event on Satruday, 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.
- 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.
