Words| Amanda Pearce. Photos| Digby Shaw, Sven Martin, Tony Hutcheson.
The 2020 edition of the Mammoth Enduro presented by Santa Cruz was held in Nelson, NZ on March 14th.
With eight stages of grade 4+ trails, 1500 meters of climbing, 2400 meters of descending and 35km of pedaling the Mammoth Enduro is the toughest single day enduro in NZ! This year organiser Hamish Berkett decided to go a bit easy on everyone with two shuttles, one to the start of stage 1 and one to the start of stage 7. Even with the two shuttles on offer the day was just as tough as previous years with slippery roots and steep, techy, native trails keeping riders on their toes.
The day started with shuttle drop off number 1 at the top of Fringed hill, 793m above sea level. Brady Stone took some time to take in the best view in Nelson! Photo - SM
Stages 1 & 2 were classic Nelson trails. Big slippery roots and lots of tight techy sections had the riders working really hard. Heather Biewick finds one of the smoother parts of the trail. Photo - TH
Stage 3 along Sunshine Ridge was a real physical and mental test and the longest stage of the day. It also had many wondering if the end would ever come! Cam Cole charging hard. Photo - SM
Kieran Bennett cutting some shapes to win 1st place in the style contest. Photo - TH
Stage 4 ‘Crankenstien’ kept everyone on their game. Rain earlier in the week made for damp off camber roots and rocks and overall some pretty hectic conditions. None of that was a problem for Brady Stone. Photo - TH
Nelson local Emma Bateup in full focus mode, Emma would finish the day with 3rd place in Open Women. Photo - DS
Nelson’s iconic 629 trail was stage 5. With fast flowing native and steep rocky switchbacks it has a bit of something for everyone. Nigel McDowell lost in the bush. Photo - SM
Stage 6 Keyboard Warrior into Mr Chomper is always a fan favourite. A sneaky wee detour onto ‘Steep Face’ in the middle section was sure to catch some riders out. Kurt Lancaster flying through the trees. Photo - SM
Nicole Mesman having a good time putting the Maverick through its paces and storming to 2nd place in open women. Photo - TH
The second shuttle of the day was up Kaka hill to stage 7. Named after the Maori word for battle ‘Putakari’ has plenty Mahoe roots and chunky rock gardens to catch even the most experienced rider out. Tayne Birss hitting the ‘Rock Drop’ at half way. Photo - TH
The last stage of the day stage 8 was down 'Maitai Face’. Following the trend of the day it was steep, with a pretty hefty chute to end the stage. Connor McCormick closing in on the finish line. Photo - SM
Open Women Podium. 1st Louise Kelly, 2nd Nicole Mesman, 3rd Emma Bateup. Photo - TH
Mens Podium. 1st Eddie Masters, 2nd Mark Scott, 3rd Cole Lucas. Fastest man of the day however would go to U21 winner Brady Stone. Photo - TH
Your U21 winner and fastest rider on the day Golden Bays finest Brady Stone. Photo - DS
Jeremy Sherwill was the lucky winner of the chocolate wheel taking home some Santa Cruz wheels. Thanks to the Waahi Taakaro Golf Course for supplying the chocolate wheel at the last minute! Photo - DS
Also a big shout out to all the volunteers that made the Mammoth possible. Thanks to all the drivers, marshals, medics, BBQ cookers, timers, sweepers and anyone else who made the day possible. And an extra big thanks to the Nelson MTB club. See you all again next year!
Results can be found here Mammoth 2020