EVENT Overview

The 6-Day Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race is a true pioneering feat.

On your journey, you will discover stunning scenery, experience the brutal nature of the challenge, and will leave New Zealand heaping praise on this epic event and its pristine trails.

The fifth edition of The Pioneer, fuelled by Nutri-Grain, will see the Epic Series event head north for the first time in its history, starting and finishing in the Mountain Bike Mecca of Rotorua. Taking place from 18 – 23 April 2021, it's sure to be as challenging as ever. Local and international riders must tackle the 6-stage race in teams of two, staying no more than 2 minutes apart for the entire race.

The Pioneer course changes every year. The course team invests in months of planning to deliver a stunning route of around 500km with 10,000m of climbing. What is guaranteed each year is stunning landscapes, varied terrain with a good dose of challenging single track, flowy trails, and iconic Kiwi hospitality waiting for you in the Race Village at the end of each stage.

Many riders push themselves to their absolute limits, and then ride beyond to discover new limits for themselves and their teammate. The level of camaraderie that develops amongst the riders around the social lounge in camp every day is staggering and heart-warming.

We don’t exaggerate when we say life-long friends are made on this journey.

Find your riding partner today and become a Pioneer.