Show Notes
Welcome to the your Bonus Mackenzie Podcast for 2026 the 4th in the series this year as our event wrap up. I am Richard Greer the Head coach and Team Captain of TeamCPNZ who have helped a number of people to prepare for this event with our Coaching and maybe you too if you have listed to our 2 lead in podcasts These are my favourite podcasts that I put together - recorded live on the finish line where the legs are still sore but the vibes still high. As we get underway I need to say a massive well done to everyone that took part of this event, who stood on the start line with your own goals to either race hard at the front or to enjoy the day out with family and friends - everyone challenging themselves in there own way.
This year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to share the MC duties with the amazing Stella Maris to cheer everyone home and share the stories of families doing it together, broken pedals to epic sprint finishes, it was pretty awesome. To Kerry and her team you do an amazing job and there was nothing but praise on the finish line for the event that you put on and the team of volunteers making sure that everyone has the best day.
This year as you will hear in some of the stories to come the course had a last minute change after the riders had set off, that the river crossing to make it over the Godley River and to Lilybank station was a no go. The final braid had become impassable over night so after 4hrs of trying to figure out a route the swift water rescue team had to make the call that it was impassable after they were being swept off their feet trying to get across.
The weather was calm and there had been no rain over night so whether it was snow melt or just a braided river moving around there was too much water to cross. This was especially tough since the drop bags and logistics where already set on the otherside of the river. Safety is always number one so the right call was made and for the athletes to deal with a new plan is alway tough - especially to make it back through the rough bluffs section a second time. But you did it and that is often the most rewarding memories - when it doesn't go to plan but you figure out a way. So congratulations to all involved and these are you stories from Catherine who ripped around the Merino Course who made it home first overall to Matt Gordon who completed the Drover after 9hrs and 49minutes of riding his bike.
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