Monday, 3 May 2021, 6:13 am
A former winner and first timer claimed victory
in the 36th running of New Zealand’s longest running
mountain bike event.
Established in 1986, the
Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic is, in fact, the longest
running mountain bike race in the Southern Hemisphere. Based
in Upper Hutt’s rugged Akatarawa Ranges near Wellington,
this annual gathering has become the cultural hub of New
Zealand mountain biking.
This year more than 600
riders took to the start line, and while covid-19 keeps
internationals riders away the women’s race was won by a
former African champion and Olympian for
Namibia.
Michelle Vorster lives now in Auckland and
Report from Karapoti Classic
A former winner and first timer claimed victory in the 36th running of New Zealand’s longest running mountain bike event.
Established in 1986, the Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic is the longest running mountain bike race in the Southern Hemisphere. Based in Upper Hutt’s rugged Akatarawa Ranges near Wellington, this annual gathering has become the cultural hub of New Zealand mountain biking.
This year more than 600 riders took to the start line, and while covid-19 keeps internationals riders away the women’s race was won by a former African champion and Olympian for Namibia.
Michelle Vorster lives now in Auckland and was taking in the Gazley Skoda Karapoti Classic as part of her build up for this year’s Tokyo Olympics where she will represent Namibia again.