Announcing the Shimano 100km at Isuzu Utes Whaka 100

​We’re excited to announce that Shimano New Zealand will be joining the Isuzu Utes Whaka 100 as naming sponsor for the 100km marathon event. To celebrate, we're giving away a set of Shimano XT Brakes. Read on to find out more.

​As a key player in the industry, Shimano identified the Whaka 100 as a premier New Zealand cycling event, and the best place to support riders of all distances, including the bucket-list 100km.

“The Shimano team is excited to be a part of New Zealand’s biggest mountain bike event.” says Taylor Gunman, Sales Manager of Bike at Shimano. “With the huge growth in the sport of cycling, it has been extremely encouraging to see so many Kiwis out riding the trails and we want to be out there joining in on the fun.”

Not only is there the physical challenge of the distance... but mentally too.

And fun there will be. The Whaka 100 has events from Kid 5km up to the DCA Whaka Miler featuring 160km in a single day. That said, the 100km title is the original beast, says Tim Farmer, Co-owner and Race Director.

“The Shimano 100km is considered one of the Southern Hemisphere's toughest single-day mountain bike events, providing a true test of endurance. Not only is there the physical challenge of the distance and 3,000m of climbing but mentally too, with the majority on Rotorua’s world-class singletrack, you can’t tune out.” 

Ben Oliver wins the Whaka 100km event in 2022

Sammie Maxwell takes first for women at 2022's Whaka 100

Most riders complete the event in an average of 7-8 hours and the elites show their grit coming under 6 hours such as 2022’s winners Ben Oliver 4hr53min and Sammie Maxwell 5hr49min.

​“The majority of the field are everyday riders who have decided to set himself an epic goal. Maybe they want to be the fittest they've ever been, want to see how long they can go for or hit a milestone in their life” adds Farmer. “It’s not easy though, not everyone makes it. The journey to the Whaka starts as soon as you enter - not the finishline”.

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WIN a set of Shimano XT Brakes

​To celebrate, Shimano is giving away a set of XT Brakes to one lucky participant. To be in with a chance to win, register your entry to any of our main distances by Wednesday 14 June. Time to get yourself entered, nudge your riding mates, or keep your fingers crossed if you’re already entered.

Enter the Whaka 100km and see all the events available this October.

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