" It's the perfect opportunity to go for that top spot," Reynolds said.
"The first section of the course on the gravel road will be decisive. If I break away too quickly I will suffer later on, but I also can't be too cautious as a strong front pack could break away.
"Also the last section is the most technical because of the drops so I'll have to watch out for that and keep my nerve."
Reynolds will face tough opposition including Manawatu's Gareth Cannon who formed part of a strong Kiwi U23 contingent in the Cairns World Cup earlier this year.
And the Wellingtonian duo of Ed Crossling and Kim Hurst will be back after strong outings at last month's Crater Classic.
But Reynolds, who moved to Rotorua 18 months ago, is pleased with his race preparation, despite having to fit it round working night shifts in the accident and emergency department.
"It has been a real task fitting all the sessions in, but I'm in a really good mindset right now," he said.
"I have built up my track knowledge such as the 'local lines' to steer along which can give you precious seconds in the race.
"I've ridden the race track several times and have looked out for risk areas for the day. You can never tell how it will play out but I've prepared well."
There will also be competitors taking part in short and mid courses and an enduro stage on Sunday.
The annual event, which started in 2002, has attracted a record breaking number of entries this year - a total of 1000 riders set to take part.
Event manager Tim Farmer said the Rotorua course was world class.
"We have tweaked the trails from last year but they still offer the best possible ride," he said.
"I really don't know who will take the male and female crowns because both fields are packed with quality and are both wide open.
"It will be a real spectacle and could come right down to the wire."
The final two rounds of the Rotorua Winter MTB series take place in August and September.
- For more information go to www.nduro.co.nz.
