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Dougal Allan’s name is synonymous with adventure racing and multisport having done the hard grafts in the earlier days of his sporting career that eventually paid off with big wins.

“My first adventure race was with Braden Currie and we had lots of adventures throughout the earlier years at Red Bull Defiance, Xterra and I have raced in China a lot over the last decade with various teams,” says Allan.

The two-time Coast to Coast multisport world champion, Ironman and adventure racer is recognised as one of New Zealand’s most successful multi-sport athletes. And he is no stranger to wearing a One NZ GODZONE bib having competed in two chapters of the event.

“I raced Chapter 2 and Mt Cook was an amazing experience starting on day one with a traverse of the Annette Plateau.”

At GODZONE Chapter 9 in Rotorua he raced alongside Richie McCaw, Simone Maier and Theo Wordworth as team isport coming in second place to team Avaya.

“We gave it a good nudge – a highlight from Rotorua was kayaking under the stars on Lake Taupo. One of the things I remember the most about racing with Richie was how he just got on with things even when we were carrying bikes in the middle of the night through blackberry – there is nothing worse. While we were all cursing away Richie just quietly said well someone out there is having a worse day than this and just kept moving. Integrity is a word I associate with Richie, and it was great to get to know him a little that week.”

As a long-time fan of Team New Zealand at the America’s Cup Allan got the ultimate call-up in 2023 when he became one of four cyclor’s on the Team New Zealand boat after what can only be described as a brutal fitness testing process.

“My endurance racing background certainly came to the fore during that fitness testing round and it gave me enough to make the cut. The experience both in 2023 and again in 2024 was incredible to be part of the team winning the America’s Cup and competing at that world class level with a high achieving group of athletes,” says Allan.

This year the international competition has changed its protocols to not include cyclors on the boats which means Allan has time to step in front of the camera at One NZ GODZONE.

“I am looking forward to being part of the media team providing coverage of One NZ GODZONE this year and working alongside Early Bird Media editor Struan Purdie and GZ media manager Margo Berryman. Having raced GODZONE before it’s going to be fun talking to competitors along the course who are doing the hard yards while I get to see my bed at the end of the day!

Allan will front video and social media posts for the event assisting to bring all the highlights from the field.

“Going behind the scenes to add some light and shade to the event reportage should be good. I was considering being part of a team racing at the event but this way I will get to see a different side of this amazing event and help tell the story of what really goes on out there on the course.”

And he has some advice for teams heading into Chapter 12.

“Be ready not just for the good times but the tough and stressful times too. With so much uncertainty in an event like GODZONE you can be sure of one thing: it won’t all go to plan. Be clear as an entire team that you will always do the best you can with each situation and especially when it doesn’t go to script, as these moments are often more defining than the good times.”