Mountainbiking: Age no hurdle for winter Nduro series

Logan Nicolson-Mabey is ready for his first mountainbike race this Sunday. Photo/Stephen Parker

The new-look Nduro Winter MTB Series kicks off in Rotorua this Sunday and if you ever thought a mountainbike race was only for the pros, Logan Nicolson-Mabey will have you rethinking that idea.

The 10-year-old is one of the youngest in the field and is tackling the 15km race that is designed for those new to mountainbiking, or who are looking to boost their fitness.

"I've been riding since I was 5, but this is my first mountainbike event," said Logan. "I like going into the forest and my favourite track is Grinder - I like the difficulty, it's a bit of a challenge."

New to the Nduro series this year are pre-rides on the 15km courses. It was one of these that gave Logan the confidence to give the race a go.

"I expect it to be hard, but I'll go as fast as I can. I already think I want to do more."

Logan has already set his sights a little higher, he wants to race the XTERRA triathlon when he turns 15 and after watching his "fitness mother" Lee-Anne Willis finish Ironman this year he wants to one day give that a go. Willis competes in X-Race with Logan and takes him out training.

As well as mountainbiking Logan plays football, swims and races go-karts.

The Nduro Winter MTB Series has been a regular on the mountainbiking calendar for 12 years but the company has this year been bought by Tim and Belinda Farmer.

The series is being supported by Galaxy Travel and Ride Central, and there are more than $2000 in prizes, including a $1500 travel voucher.

With 15km, 30km and 50km courses the Winter Series appeals to a wide range of riders and skill levels.

The 15km course is designed for those new to mountain biking or who are looking to boost their fitness.

They have introduced pre-rides for entrants around the 15km courses. These have already been a success, identifying sections that may challenge less experienced riders and discussing different options for riding these parts.APN News & Media