Alpine Epic

[[ race logo ]]

Race Name: Alpine Epic

Location: New Zealand

Dates: Feb 24-27, 2010

How it started:

In 2007, a couple of racing buddies, after a stage race in Canada, were struck with the idea of having a similar race in New Zealand. There were no completely supported stage races held in that area, and after gathering ideas from riders in the Canada race, they decided to go for it.

Race overview:

Be sure to include number of stages, overall mileage, typical mileage per day, etc.

4 days, 5 stages. 243km distance. 6300m climbing.

Day one has two stages, with the second being a team time trial.

Roughly 70km riding per day.
Stage 1 – 46km, 1500m ascent
Stage 2 – 18km, 300m ascent

Day two starts with a massive climb and a steep descent near the halfway point. Teamwork will be needed to handle this race to stave off problems of dehydration and fatigue.

Stage 3 – 70 odd km, 2000m ascent

Day three will be rolling and rough with increasing speeds and some river wading.

Stage 4 – 75km, 1450m ascent

Day four climb hills rocky descent Riding remote shingle roads and smooth rollers

Stage 5 – 70km, 700m ascent
…

Conditions:

Weather….

“Late February in the South Island high country can be stunning, baking hot sun, long days and warm evenings; it could also snow to 1000m and there could be gale force Norwest winds and driving rain. We will be climbing as high as 1800m on a couple of days, so you need to be prepared for anything. We will have detailed weather each evening so you can plan what you carry each day accordingly, but pack your polar fleece pants, sunscreen and woolly hat.”

Mountains? Yes. Lots of climbing and descending.

“The course features very little road, probably about 40km during the whole event, the rest will be a mixture of mustering trails and 4wd track, riverbed and fence lines.”

…

Rules, Categories, Pricing, Etc:

?

Rules:
Competitors must be at least 16 years of age as of the start date of the Alpine Epic

Categories:
Teams of two only.
In these categories: Men’s and women’s open <80 years, veteran 81-100, classic 101+. Corporate teams (both riders must have been in fulltime employment with the same company for 3 months.) Open mixed.

Pricing: $895 per person (includes GST) or $1790 per team. Includes entry, breakfasts and dinners including desserts; 90L race gear bag, course notes, prize giving banquet, sports drink on course, aid stations, medical support, camping and transport of gear each day.

Food and Lodging:

Lodging options include…

Race package includes a place to camp. Bring your own tent.

Food…

Breakfasts and dinners included in race entry package. Plus aid stations.

More info

Race Website: www.AlpineEpic.co.nz