History

The Teams

Another full quota of teams signed up for Chapter of GODZONE, with entries selling out in a record breaking 2hrs. Competitors were lured by the spectacular and renowned host location of Queenstown which promised to give a special insight into the joys of racing in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The recently formed GZ Pursuit event saw a 50% increase in participation rates versus Chapter 5 as new teams jumped at the chance to race supported. Overall, both GZ Pure and GZ Pursuit events were very much dominated by Kiwi teams who snapped up most of the slots when entries opened. There was also a strong showing from teams from the US who had made the pilgrimage to the pre-eminent expedition race in the world.

The Route

A breathtaking journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular high country with the occasional visit to a local community located around the Wakatipu Basin. The GZ Pure route covered a total distance of approximately 410km, considerably less than previous Chapters. However, this was offset by the most amount of ascent ever at almost 12,500m. The route comprised roughly 110km of trekking, 167km of biking, 84km of kayaking, 25km of canoeing, 14km of rafting and 6km of gorgeering. The GZ Pursuit event covered approximately 346km and 10,150m of ascent.

The route won great favour with many teams remarking on it being the most spectacular and exciting race they had ever done. There was the multisport-style, fast and furious start to the event, abseiling on two iconic local landmarks, a host of exciting whitewater activities with the introduction of rafting into GODZONE for the first time. This was followed up by high mountain ascents of Mt Crichton and then over the Eyre Mountains on the penultimate stage of the race. A high octane race for a famously high adrenalin part of New Zealand.

Results

It was tough to pick a winner of Chapter 6. Teams at the front of the field have improved a lot and there has been some musical chairs going on which has allowed the teams to take on a better balance of skills and personalities. With the world's number 3 ranked team at the event (Adventure Medical Kits), going head to head with Chris Forne's Yealands Family Wines and Queenstown locals, Tiki Tour, it was always going to be a strongly contested race. Ultimately it was the local team, led admirably by Tom Lucas, that won out on the course. This marked the first time Chris Forne has been beaten at a GODZONE Chapter.

Second and third place were taken by teams Yealands Family Wines and Swordfox respectively. Yealands threw everything at Tiki Tour but they did not crack, making great route choices throughout the course. The winning margin was less than 2hrs in the end. Overall, the race produced an exceptionally high finish percentage, perhaps reflecting the short/sharp nature of the course and exceptional weather conditions. The Colt Trophy was won by the Sneaky Weasel Gang who placed a very commendable 5th place overall.