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Tiki Tour has been represented in some form at every One NZ GODZONE, and in 2017, they won the Queenstown chapter. The high-profile team is a crowd favourite and confirmed to be racing Chapter 12 this time with Tom Lucas, Mike Kelly, Ali Wilson and Eryn Cutler. Mike Kelly talks about what it takes to be part of the Tiki Tour legacy.

What’s the vibe like racing in Tiki Tour at GODZONE?

It’s become a real family affair with all the partners and families -the Lucas’s and the Kellys – along with the other racers that have been part of the team. It’s one of the nicest things about being part of Tiki Tour and a key reason why we’re still there because our wives and kids are the driving force behind us racing to be honest. It’s pretty awesome coming into transitions with them always looking after us. Most of the kids are into the outdoors, mountain biking and hikes so maybe they will be the next generation.

What are some of the reasons to race GODZONE for you guys?

I think we have consistently been turning up at GZ to try and beat Chris Forne. No lies, it’s competition! When Chris, Stu and Sophie are racing, those guys are pretty talented athletes, so to turn up and try to beat them is a big motivator. We can’t say we are too old for GODZONE when those guys are the same age as us. Whatever they are racing as (Seagate, Avaya) they are the measuring stick and the team to beat!

Tiki Tour won Chapter 6 in Queenstown – good times?

I remember that paddle back from Glenorchy sucked pretty much because we had two strong paddlers behind us so that was hard. Fighting on your home turf was pretty motivating and that struck deep with Tiki Tour to defend the home field.

How hard did you have to hurt to take the win?

You don’t hurt that much at the front of the field – you hurt more when you’re at the back so it’s a different kind of feeling. The families were pretty proud we managed to take that first place GZ trophy.

How important are team dynamics for Tiki Tour?

It’s pretty important and having two brothers like Tom and George Lucas together in the same team has made it real easy. They are both level headed and set a solid standard for the whole team.
Having Ali Wilson in the Tiki Tour team for Chapter 12 was another reason for me to race again because she’s a strong athlete and such a good bugger. I didn’t want to miss that opportunity alongside Eryn Cutler so we should make a solid team.

What are you looking forward to the most racing GODZONE in Marlborough?

When I heard it was up there I was stoked. It’s a warmer climate to race and without the real high mountains I expect a slower, harder course with plenty of bush which can be brutal but probably suits our team better than a higher, speedy course at this stage of the game.

It’s a beautiful part of the country and when GODZONE was in Tasman I loved it and Tiki had a great race. We managed to finish and I was wrapt with that Mt Owen hike and the river sections. So many people came out in support, lining the streets and beaches. It was Richie McCaw’s first race so probably that had something to do with it ☺️ but it was pretty cool competing in that environment. When you’re in a hole and you come along to that sort of support with school kids clapping and families with signs it picks you up no end and is an awesome feeling. Pretty buzzy.

Favourite GODZONE to date?

I was a little bit gutted to have missed out on the golden Southern Traverse days so was excited when GODZONE came along as a multiday race to get stuck into. Racing Chapter One was huge. The first time I saw the course maps I was like holy shit what are we up for. It was incredible to see where we were going – I was shitting myself. Receiving those course maps is a feeling that you will never forget.
Taking out the win in Queenstown was really cool but to be fair your pretty happy to see most finish lines.