PIONEER CONFIRMED AS PART OF SHIMANO EPIC PARTNERSHIP

Shimano Australia has joined IRONMAN Oceania in a three year, multi-event partnership of the region’s premier MTB Stage Race portfolio - the Epic Series Oceania, with the Pioneer included as the final of four events each calendar year.

The four-race Epic Series Oceania includes – Newcastle and the Hunter Valley’s Port to Port, Tropical North Queensland’s Reef to Reef, Western Australia’s Cape to Cape and New Zealand’s iconic The Pioneer.

• The Series starts with Port to Port in May in the stunning Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Region in New South Wales. Port to Port tests riders with four days of challenging climbs paid off with stunning views, exciting descents and a combination of fun old school trails and brilliant groomed single track through national parks, bushlands, MTB parks and along the coast. Reaching the finish line festival set above the beach is a thrilling accomplishment.
• In August it is time to go troppo at Reef to Reef in Tropical North Queensland. Reef to Reef is four days with as much riding variety as you can roll a wheel over. From UCI World Championship trails, rugged Aussie bush and lush heritage rainforest to a stunning palm lined beach finish, it has it all.
• In October the Series moves to the stunning Aussie wine and surf mecca of Western Australia’s Margaret River, Cape to Cape, is Australasia’s longest running and biggest MTB multi-stage race. Plenty of super fun flowing single track, spectacular coastal trails and daily finish lines at a lighthouse, a winery, a distillery and a brewery ensure good times on and off the bike.
• The Series wraps up with The Pioneer in December; an awe-inspiring six-day mountain bike stage race through and around New Zealand’s pristine Southern Alps. Linking together amazing riding over 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.

The Epic Series Oceania events are a qualifier for the iconic Absa Cape Epic in South Africa, known as the pinnacle event in the sport of mountain biking and the race that every professional wants to win and every mountain biker has on their bucket list.

IRONMAN Oceania Managing Director, Dave Beeche welcomed Shimano Australia to the Epic Series Oceania family and said the partnership had great advantages for the Series and is wonderful news for all riders.

“Shimano is synonymous with exceptional quality, reliability, high performance and fascinating design. Their technologies and a wealth of experience, accumulated throughout the company’s long history, allow them to continue to develop innovative products that go beyond the expectations of riders of all standards across the globe.”

“Importantly, Shimano’s vision of contributing to the promotion of public health by encouraging outdoor activities aligns very closely with our own philosophies and our overriding desire to introduce people to the delights, challenges and camaraderie of mountain biking.”

SHIMANO Australia, Cycling Brand Manager Toby Shingleton said Shimano Cycling is excited to expand and strengthen our partnership, with IRONMAN to include the other two Epic Series Oceania races from 2019. 

“Shimano and Lazer have a strong heritage in MTB racing and we see the Epic Series Oceania events as an ideal way to connect with riders from around the world and help them to achieve their health, sporting and lifestyle goals.”

Australian MTB superstar Brendan Johnston, who qualified for the 2019 Absa Cape Epic through the Epic Oceania Series last year, said he was delighted to see Shimano partnering with the Series as their long-term commitment will help shape how these races continue to develop over time.

“The Epic Oceania Series is where the racing has really taken off and as a rider these events are a great place to test yourself. It is where the growth is in cross country mountain biking is in our region and to have Shimano come on board to help grow what are already wonderful events is good for everyone.

“I have real faith in the Shimano product and I enjoy doing events that they support. As a company they have a great philosophy about encouraging people to be active and involving more women in our sport which is great. They are passionate about increasing participation and it is starting to deliver real dividends which is a plus for the sport of mountain biking,” Brendan said.

2019 Pioneer entries opened to great demand just over a week ago and race director Danielle Sherman described the partnership as another positive move for the Pioneer riders.

“This further adds to the reputation of an already very popular event and will help grow all aspects of the Pioneer. Our strong ties to the Absa Cape Epic are already a huge drawcard for many riders, the added support of Shimano to Epic Series Oceania will help us highlight the series and this part of the world to a global mountain bike audience.”