New Zealand will have an even greater contingent of Kiwi mountain bikers on the world stage in next year's Giant Toa Enduro Rotorua, with the announcement of extra wildcard entries.
Altogether, 34 of the very best Enduro riders from New Zealand are now guaranteed a spot to represent the nation,
thanks to an increase in the number of entries awarded by Enduro World Series.
Race manager Neil Gellatly said it was important to have a strong New Zealand presence in the sport.
"These wildcard entries will help to propel local riders onto the world circuit, which will be huge for New Zealand mountain biking."
The Giant Toa Enduro Rotorua is round one of the Enduro World Series season as part of Crankworx Rotorua and will be held on March 28.
The race will mark the start of the professional mountain bike racing calendar.
Mr Gellatly said 15 Kiwi elite racer place holdings were announced in November, and five additional wildcards were expected, but the Enduro World Series increased it to 10 to accommodate intense interest.
A panel helped select riders for the remaining spots, which were awarded based on overall event performance.
Two of the initial 15 riders were unable to accept their invitation, leaving two extra spots up for grabs.
The 12 final wildcards for the 2015 Crankworx Rotorua Enduro are Sam Shaw (Rotorua), Sam Blenkinsop (Christchurch), Wyn Masters (New Plymouth), Cameron Cole (Christchurch), Reon Boe (Queenstown), Matt Scoles (Alexandra), Tom Skillicorn (Queenstown), Carl Jones (Rotorua), Lisa Horlor (Rotorua), Annika Smail (Rotorua), Leighton Kirk (Dunedin) and Ethan Glover (Nelson).
Wildcard entrant Lisa Horlor said it was great that more top Kiwi riders would have an opportunity to be involved and she was proud to be on the list.
"Getting a wildcard entry is also a fantastic training motivator. There are some really good girls out there and tough competition, it drives me to be the best I can be."
Enduro is the fastest growing competitive mountain biking discipline in the world, so the limited 400 spots are expected to be in demand.
Between 200 and 250 spots will become available to the public at 9am on January 22, with an entry fee of approximately NZ$135.
The Enduro World Series uncovers the world's best trails and unites the world's best mountain biking communities. In 2015, it is increasing to eight rounds with five new venues and three new countries.
