Contact Epic 2019 post-race

Brilliant weather, brilliant volunteers and brilliant riders. The 2019 Contact Epic had every element of a brilliant event. Six hundred riders set off early in the morning on an adventure that tested many but enthralled all.

The Centurion race’s new 160km course, up into the depths of the Hunter Valley where no rider has been before, had resounding approval from its competitors. “That was true mountain bike race and one of the best in the world,” commented the winner, Jonny van Leeuwen.

The unique sense of camaraderie the event produces was evident again this year. Two riders gave away extra clothing to a lady who fell in the river and was sufficiently drenched to risk completion. Later in the day one epic rider, with grit under his contacts was surrounded by Centurions who guided him home on the last 20 km to ensure he could remain in the Last Man Standing kitty. “ The number of stories we hear of selfless assistance provided by the riders and volunteers is numerous”, said race director Danielle Nicholson. “ I believe that is why we have such a high rate of success despite the difficulty of the course.”

The Epic race proved to be the most exciting on the finish line with, after 125km of racing, only one second separated Ben Oliver from Christchurch (first with a time of 4;43) and Tim Rush of Oamaru. Local legend, Dougal Allan, followed them in to take third place.

The women’s winner, Kate Fluker from Queenstown, was 11 minutes ahead of local Simone Maier with a time of 5;32. Kath Kelly completed her twelfth Contact Epic in third place.

The Classic’s winner, Jeremy Gardner (Wanaka) had a time of 4:13 with Jeremey Forlong (Dunedin) second and Taz Selfe (Oamaru) third.

The women’s Classic winner(4:53), Joanie Heguenin was all the way from Switzerland. Martina Fellman from Timaru followed in second place and third was Alex Nicol from Queenstown.

All Centurions (160km) made it to the finish line but Johnny van Leeuwen from Dunedin took first place with a time of 7:13. Steve Halligan (Hanmer Springs) was only 8 minutes behind in second place and Stuart Holder from Auckland in third. The women’s podiums were Ronel Cook, Dunedin (8:53), Seonaigh Conchie, Rangiora, (8:57) and Hannah Buchanan ( 8:58) from Christchurch.

A number of riders tested out the ebikes with few issues found. “We intend to open up the Classic and Traverse to ebikes in 2020, but just need to decide now we manage this.” Nicholson said.

Inspiration seeped from the event but one story stood out. A 19 kilo heavier Cameron Stewart, decided he would attempt his first mountain bike race, and being a goal setter, targeted NZ’s longest and hardest single day event, the Centurion. Following a major accident where two of his vertebrae were injured, Cameron had learnt the power of the mind and how he could over come any obstacle if he wanted to. “Six months ago I got myself a trainer and, with his guidance I knew that I would get to the finish line. “said Cameron. And he did, 12 hours after starting.

Contact Energy and LMS Events are together donating $ 19,000 to the Contact Epic Fund for the Hawea community groups and individuals to apply to. “ We believe in give back and this is one way we can do that,” Nicholson said. “This is alongside the $6000 we donate annually to the volunteer groups.”

The 2020 date has been set for April 18 and the entries will be openby the end of the week.

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