Cooper Starts Road to Rio with Ride Over the Southern Alps 25 Sep 2015
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Cooper Starts Road to Rio with Ride Over the Southern Alps
Anton Cooper is fast establishing a reputation as one of the world’s leading mountain bike riders, having won world titles in two age groups and gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, he is now all eyes on the podium in Rio 2016 and has announced his preparation will start with a week long ride over the Southern Alps.
An
intense competitor with a fierce desire to win, Cooper is
also incredibly proud to fly the Kiwi flag around the world.
Not surprising then that he has turned to his own backyard
to commence his preparations for Rio and aims to turn dreams
of gold into reality come August next year.
Cooper has
confirmed he will ride the inaugural Pioneer MTB stage race
in late January and can’t think of a better way to lay
down a base of hours in the saddle in Olympic
year.
"When I first heard about the Pioneer I was
really excited but not sure if it would work with my
schedule. But thankfully I will be able to take part in the
inaugural event held in what I truly believe is the most
beautiful part of the country and one of the most stunning
parts of the world – where better to go bike
riding!
“A big part of the appeal is laying down a
foundation for the year ahead, a base of time on the bike
that will be the basis for Rio and other World Cup events.
When looking at my options to achieve that, I simply
couldn’t look past The Pioneer."
"Aside from being a
perfect week of riding and ticking the box in regards to
clocking up the mileage, it is just going to be an amazing
event, one that will put New Zealand on the map alongside
events like the Cape Epic (South Africa) and TransAlp
(Italy) that are renowned the world over for the challenge
and the amazing riding through spectacular scenery.”
The imagery is clear and provides great fodder for
the headline writers; ‘Kiwi medal hope rides away from
home (Christchurch) and over the Alps on his way to Rio’.
If that wasn’t enough, the story has added layers with the
news that Cooper’s partner for the team based event
(riders all ride in pairs throughout the seven days) is
himself a world class international mountain bike rider,
winning bronze in Glasgow and the first Australian to win an
Elite XC MTB World Cup round.
"Dan and I are both looking forward to sharing in the adventure and spirit of the event together and hopefully by using it as a training event it will set us both up well for the World Cups, Champs and Olympics later in the year"
“We will be like all the
other entries in this race, just as the recreational and
social mountain bike rider will need a good mate, someone
that is a good fit in terms of ability but also to share a
tent with for a week, so I had to find that rider and Daniel
fits the bill – we get on well together, we will spur each
other on each day and he too will be looking to get a good
base week of training under his belt.”
Daniel is
equally keen to come and see what all the fuss is about and
to ride with his good Kiwi mate without for once having to
worry about who crosses the line first!
“I am really
excited to be racing The Pioneer, not only is this a great
opportunity to ride in some of New Zealand’s most
picturesque and beautiful countryside it will be a great
training block before the World Cup season starts, and to
get to share it all with Anton is going to be special! I
have been racing against Anton for years and we are
definitely use to being on the same start line together but
racing as a team is going to be a great experience and a lot
of fun on and off the bike!”
“Mountain biking is a
very social sport, but to be able to race with your mate and
experience everything that mountain biking offers while
riding through some of the most beautiful areas in the world
is going to be amazing.”
The Pioneer event director Dave
Beeche says having Cooper and McConnell confirmed for the
ride not only gives the event expert ‘seal of approval’
but international exposure.
“Anton and Dan will prove a
formidable pairing towards the sharp end of the field for
sure and will generate interest throughout the mountain
biking world. But more importantly they will be great for
our entire field to have alongside at the end of each
day’s riding. The Pioneer is about people of all abilities
and backgrounds committing to an amazing week, one that will
take huge effort and sacrifice in training and
commitment.
“For those riders to be able to share a
meal, a drink and a chat with riders like Anton and Daniel,
both of whom are very down to earth and approachable is just
fantastic. Everyone can say they rubbed shoulders on and off
course with a World Champion and who knows, fingers crossed
an Olympic medalist post Rio as well – so long as he is
wearing a silver fern at the time of
course!”
Additional information
THE PIONEER, MTB STAGE RACE,
NZ
The Pioneer came out of a simple idea. Ride
beyond. The idea of creating a uniquely New Zealand event
that takes you through the parts of the country that few
will ever get to enjoy. To ride to the most remote parts of
the Southern Alps. To push yourself beyond your comfort
zone. To get you far away from familiar trails and in to the
unknown. And you do it all for seven days straight in teams
of two.
KEY STATS
7 DAYS OF RACING –
Lose yourself in mountain bike nirvana day after day.
8
HOST TOWNS - Enjoy the legendary hospitality of the
South.
546 KMS OF RIDING - Through New Zealand’s
untouched Southern Alps.
15,057 METRES OF CLIMBING –
With pleasure also comes the pain.
DATES: January 31 to
February 6, 2016
OVERVIEW
The Pioneer
is an awe inspiring seven day mountain bike stage race
through New Zealand’s pristine Southern Alps. The first
race of its kind to link together over 500kms of farm
tracks, NZ Cycle Trails, double track and single track
riding in a very special part of the world where soaring
mountain peaks, crystal-clear blue lakes, and golden high
country await. If you’re looking for an event to get you
inspired again, this is it!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Find Stunning – A rare chance to journey
through a pristine and untouched part of New Zealand –
riding through the some of the most awe inspiring scenery on
earth.
Find Character – An epic challenge that will
push you to the edge and have you digging deep.
Find
Welcome – Discover New Zealand’s legendary warm kiwi
hospitality…with a super-friendly race vibe to enjoy at
the end of each day. You’ll have earned
it!
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