Whaka 100 MTB Marathon secures dual UCI National Championship ANOTHER 3 YEARS

The Isuzu Utes Whaka 100 Mountain Bike Marathon, presented by Rotorua NZ, and Cycling New Zealand are excited to announce that the Whaka 100 has secured hosting rights for the UCI Eliminator and Marathon MTB National championship titles for 2023 - 2025.

After a successful UCI sanctioned event in 2022, Mountain Bike New Zealand President Ryan Hunt is pleased that the Whaka 100 is once again hosting.

“It's great to see the Whaka 100 returning as the host of the National Marathon & Eliminator Championships for 2023-2025. Tim Farmer  & the Nduro Events team delivered a top class event in 2022 and we look forward to seeing how they can further develop the wider event with this extended partnership” says Hunt.

The event organisers are hopeful to see high profile riders once again, with 2022 UCI Cycling New Zealand Eliminator National Champion and Trek Factory Racing team member Anton Cooper hoping to return. ​

“Having both the Eliminator and Marathon national championships held in conjunction with the Whaka 100 is a big boost for both disciplines and the sport of mountain biking in New Zealand. The professionalism from the event organisation sets a great standard for how events should be run and I hope to be on the start line for both events in 2023!” says Cooper.

Andrew Wilson, chief executive officer of Rotorua NZ sees the news as an opportunity all of Rotorua should be excited about.

“Hosting the UCI Cross Country MTB National Championship for both Marathon and Eliminator titles is a massive win for Rotorua's communities and businesses.” says Wilson. “It's combining our incredible forest and trail network for the Marathon, and our beautiful city for the urban Eliminator. By hosting the next three years, we're confirming without a doubt that Rotorua is the top place to visit, train and race for current and future champions, as well as riders of all abilities from around the world” 

Tim Farmer, Race Director adds “The status of the Whaka 100 through partnerships like these and we are seeing growing numbers international riders, new and returning along with interest from big names from Europe and the US”