Safety Advice for cold & wet conditions

No doubt you've been keeping a close eye on the weather like we have, and realise we could be in for a couple of cold and potentially wet days. 

With this in mind, please read the below advice from our Safety Team carefully and ensure you arrive prepared with the correct gear for ALL conditions to make your week as comfortable as possible. 

Safety Advice for cold & wet conditions:

• Double check you have every item of mandatory gear required. If you do not present this at registration, you will need to purchase or source items before you can continue through the registration process.
• Bring some non-riding gear that will keep you dry and toasty in temperatures around 5 degrees (expected in the early morning and late evening). 
• Bring extra riding gear – plan for a worst-case scenario of rain every day. Better to have it in your bag and not use it than be caught short and jeopardise your race. More gear is better than not enough.
• Ensure you have full fingered warm gloves, a good riding waterproof jacket, merino beanie for under your helmet, leg/knee warmers, and a warm base layer (ideally merino, not cotton).
• Check your sleeping bag is rated to a minimum -5 degrees.
• Waterproof footwear is recommended for race villages.
• Pack a small umbrella for getting around camp in the rain. 
• Bring several pairs of wool or merino socks, in addition to your riding socks.
• Take extra caution and ride to the conditions. You may encounter wet/slippery track conditions including snow and mud.
• We will also be offering hot water bottle refills at Race Villages, so pack a non-insulated water bottle if you'd like to take a mini heater back to your sleeping bag with you at night!

Should you need to purchase gear in Queenstown on arrival Marmot does a great outdoor range, and Outside Sports have plenty in stock.