Cycling: N-Duro back where it belongs

Megan Dimozantos during the previous 24-hour N-Duro in Rotorua. Photo / Supplied

World No3 passionate about keeping the event in Rotorua

The N-duro 24 mountainbike race is returning to Rotorua next weekend after a four-year break.

It was an event that was always really appealing for keen mountainbikers - 16km laps that weren't too crowded, so much more relaxing than other races, especially night laps.

Rawiri Bhana, from N-duro, has jump-started the event, helped by Megan Dimozantos, a proud Rotorua resident and one of the world's best 24-hour solo racers, ranked third in the world.

"Twenty-four-hour racing has been close to my heart for a long time," 31-year-old Dimozantos said. "When I heard Ra was bringing back the 24 hours of N-duro I knew I wanted to be involved and help make this an amazing event for other riders - people who like real mountainbiking."

Dimozantos is so passionate about the event that she volunteered to help set the course. Her history with N-Duro goes back to 2008.

"I'd been riding 24-hour races for a couple of years. My desire to thrust myself into this world of craziness truly bloomed when I won that event - and qualified for my first world championships.

"I got a coach, travelled to Canada and came seventh in the world. Now, five years later I'm ranked third in the world for 24-hour solo mountainbiking."

She said her progression to the top of her sport began with "that encouraging win all those years ago at 24 hours of N-Duro".

"It was a real shame to see the event disappear off the calendar - 24-hour racing thrives in other parts of the world, with an extensive following.

"However, New Zealand has lacked a 24-hour race that fully challenges the senses and allows weekend warriors the opportunity to ride a world-class course alongside world-class riders."

All that changes next weekend and Dimozantos is urging all keen mountainbikers to take on the event. "You don't have to take the "nutter" option like me and ride the whole thing yourself. Get a bunch of mates together. Enjoy what the Whakarewarewa forest has to offer over 24 amazing hours, or 12 if you aren't quite up to a full day.

"There is even an exciting new 6+6 option which allows riders to only race the daylight hours of the event."

The N-duro 24 is affiliated with World Endurance Mountain Biking Organisation and the solo winners will get automatic entry into the 24-Hour Solo World Championships in Canberra in October.

It also means Rotorua is likely to hold a 24-hour solo world championship.

The course will keep riders entertained and challenged for the full 24 hours."It isn't a highway. We are talking about quality trails in areas of the forest where many riders will not have ridden before and stunning views.

"I'm hoping for a fine weekend because sunrise and sunset will be amazing."

The course is about 16km long, so not too short to get bored. It has been designed in a figure 8, crossing by the race village twice each lap. Solo riders can eat, and see their support crew twice each lap.

Team riders can enjoy a good length ride before swapping over. Or swap with their teammates halfway through a lap, so they are in effect doing only 8km laps.

"The tactical flexibility provided by a course like this will make it an exciting weekend out in our forest."

N-Duro 24

When: April 20-21)

Where: Whakarewarewa Trails, Rotorua

What: A true test of stamina, endurance and riding abilities, the N-Duro 24 is not your typical 24-hour event, and is not in your typical biking location.

For more information and entry visit www.nduro24.co.nz

Megan Dimozantos
Endurance mountainbiker

Career highlights:

• 3rd elite female - WEMBO 24-hour solo world championships 2012, Italy

• 13th mixed team - Cape Epic stage race 2012, South Africa

• 1st masters female - Oceania Championships 2012

• 1st - Inaugural Taniwha 85km MTB 2012

For more information about Megan visit: megandimozantos.blogspot.co.nz/