Races

For the Merida Whaka 100 event, we offer four different races:

25km Individuals

50km Individuals

100km Individuals

100km Teams

The 100km course is the ultimate challenge in mountain biking in New Zealand.  No other race of this distance offers the amount of single track we do.  And that is the kicker - even though it will hurt you will love it.  The 100km course encompasses the best riding in Whakarewarewa Forest.  Enough said really.

The teams event for the 100km course has two legs split into 60km for Leg 1 and 40km for Leg 2 with the changeover being at the end of Old Chevy.  Leg 1 is the longest but Leg 2 does contain a lot more climbing.  It is a great opportunity for you to experience the 100km course over a couple of years before you step up to the solo event.

The 50km course takes in some great trails and to finish this is an achievement in itself.  The 25km course is designed for recreational riders who just want to get out and about and explore more trails.

100km Fluid Drop

As part of the 100km course there will be a food and fluid drop on course, at the end of Old Chevy.  This is approximately the 60km mark,  All you need to do is pack whatever you want to pick up at that point into a clearly labeled bag - with your name and/or race number.  The bag will be dropped off at Race HQ on the morning of the event and we transport it in for you.  We will then bring the bags back out in time for prize giving.

Women's Only Wave Start for the 25km Course

For 2011 we have put in place a women's only wave start for the 25km course which will go at 9:15am.  We have introduced this based on feedback we have recevied from women riders that they would like thr opportunity to ride an event without having to worry too much about holding other people up or getting caught up in agressive riding.  So, if you are a women rider this is your opportunity.  Simply indicate when you enter online that you want to start in the women's only wave.

Prize Giving

We intent to run prize giving at Race HQ on the afternoon of the event.  This will probably happen about 4pm, as we want to get the bulk of the 100km riders in before we start,

If the weather is looking average, then prize giving will take place at alternative venue that night at 7pm.  If this happens we will inform you during the day.

Prize Money

We are offering prize money to the first three male and female finishers across the finish line for the Whaka 100km individual race, regadless of category.  It will be as follows:

1st: $500

2nd: $150

3rd: $100