The Mountain to Mountain Multisport Race – Race tips
Dougal Allan
A relative hidden treasure of the New Zealand multisport racing scene is the
Wanaka Mountain 2 Mountain race held in September each year. The 2008
Mountain 2 Mountain will take place on the 13th of September and anyone that
lines up on the start line will not be disappointed. Nowhere on earth have I ever
felt so excited to be a multisporter than when I lined up high on the Treble Cone
ski field at the start line of the 2007 Mountain 2 Mountain, overlooking Lake
Wanaka and its surrounding country. It is truly the most inspiring landscape and
opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. Race organisers Aaron and
Mike no doubt share this view and the Mountain 2 Mountain is a great way for
them to share some of the natural wonders of the area with the multisport public.
Beginning with an “honest” ski down ‘Main Street’ on Treble Cone, athletes will
make their way very quickly off the mountain. I suggest individual competitors
wear their kayak PFD from the start of the race as the cool mountain air and the
wind chill can zap crucial stores of energy very quickly before the race even
starts. The PFD will not only insulate but will provide padding for those
unfortunate enough to get ‘horizontal’ during the ski leg. It also saves valuable
time at the kayak transition where others will spend seconds or minutes removing
race bibs, pulling on PFDs and replacing the bibs.
So after a brief run to your ski or board expect a fast descent to the bottom of the
chair lifts and the transition to mountain bike. Be sure to know exactly where your
bike and gear are for this transition because there may be a lot of crowding in the
area as athletes arrive in very close proximity. The good news is individuals can
wear a cycling helmet for the first three stages of the race and thus will not need
to worry about changing headwear. The next task is to negotiate the mountain
bike stage from the bottom of the ski leg, down the access road and up the
Matukituki Valley. The access road is steep and corrugated in places so ride
within yourself. The descent is 8 kilometres long and once at the bottom there is
still a further 8 kilometres to ride up the Matukituki Valley – plenty of time to
showcase your bike fitness on the flat section without risking the disasters of
making a mistake during first 8 kilometre descent.
The kayak stage is 17 kilometres of class one river paddling. If you allow yourself
a brief distraction from the race during this section be sure to take a look around.
It will soon become obvious to you why you compete in this sport, and why the
Mountain 2 Mountain offers an experience that rivals any race in New Zealand.
The Matukituki river is as stunning as the mountains that surround it and 17
kilometres is a challenging distance for the elite, but very manageable for those
who afford less training and preparation. Be sure to take fluids with you for this
stage as you can expect to be paddling for over an hour and a half.
Once out of the kayak it is onto the 9 kilometre run. Eating at the transition before
the run is a good idea but only consume foods you know your body will tolerate
during the run. Leppin squeezies for example make a good fuel that will not be
too heavy in the stomach. Removing some clothing is also a good idea if you
were rugged up for the start of the race. Remember, running generates a lot of
heat and by now the day may have warmed as the sun gets higher in the sky.
This run is easily underestimated. Although 9 kilometres is not far by multisport
standards, remember the nature of the course. The run is mostly off road and
there are a few climbs and mud as you traverse farm land that can slow progress
considerably. The run is a highlight and a true test of running strength, providing
a wonderful example of how multisport tests runners in much different ways to
triathlon.
With four stages down at the end of the run, the race now starts to play into the
hands of the stronger cyclists. Stage five involves a 35 kilometre road ride into
Wanaka and up the Cardrona Valley. There are a few climbs during this ride and
if you are lucky you will find some company to assist with the flat sections and
possible head winds. Having plenty of fuel for this stage is crucial as you will
have been racing for a few hours by now and still have some tough riding to go.
At least two drink bottles as well as plenty of food during this ride will pay
dividends during the final stage, a 14 kilometre mountain bike climb up to the
Snow Farm.
If you can arrange to have SPD pedals on both your road and mountain bikes it
will save having to change footwear at the final transition. This can be an
important transition as many athletes come in with bunches and any advantage
you can have going into the final stage will be beneficial. In my first attempt at the
Mountain 2 Mountain in 2006 I did not eat enough before the final ride to the
Snow Farm, and I suffered! So if anything make sure you have too much food in
your pockets rather than insufficient supplies. Two drink bottles are again a good
idea for the last stage. There is still a long way to go on this ride so do not panic
and try to catch others straight away. It is important you find a good rhythm early
on in the last ride and try to spin a higher cadence so as to avoid over-exertion
and cramping. As you near the top you’ll sense that familiar cool mountain air
start to return, a feeling similar to that at the start line a good 4 to 7 hours ago!
And the reward and satisfaction of reaching the top and the finish line will surely
make all the efforts of the day seem completely worthwhile.
Having a shower and a meal in the warmth of the Snow Farm building is a
wonderful way to finish the day and spin tales with fellow competitors while
awaiting the prize giving. The wonderful thing about the Mountain 2 Mountain is
the emphasis that is placed on participation and spot prizes are indeed generous
and plentiful. In 2006 for example my spot prize was a sky dive courtesy of Sky
Dive Lake Wanaka! I believe the Mountain 2 Mountain celebrates the true
essence of multisport. Mountain biking on rough terrain, kayaking on rivers,
running through mud, and sharing outdoor adventures with like-minded people is
what draws so many kiwis to the sport. I hope people can support Aaron and
Mike and turn up to the Mountain 2 Mountain in 2008 and in doing so, ensure
these affordable but physically and mentally testing races survive for many years
to come!
Dougal Allan, Mountain 2 Mountain, 2007.