Team CPNZ - Endurance Sports Podcast

Welcome to the your Bonus Mackenzie Podcast for 2026 the 4th in the series this year as our event wrap up.
I am Richard Greer the Head coach and Team Captain of TeamCPNZ who have helped a number of people to prepare for this event with our Coaching and maybe you too if you have listened to our 2 lead in podcasts
These are my favourite podcasts that we put together - recorded live on the finish line where the legs are still sore but the vibes still high.
As we get underway I need to say a massive well done to everyone that took part of this event, who stood on the start line with your own goals to either race hard at the front or to enjoy the day out with family and friends - everyone challenging themselves in their own way. 

This year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to share the MC duties with the amazing Stella Maris, cheering everyone home and sharing the stories of families doing it together, broken pedals to epic sprint finishes it was pretty awesome.
To Kerry and her team, you do an amazing job and there was nothing but praise on the finish line for the event that you put on and the team of volunteers making sure that everyone has the best day. 

This year as you will hear in some of the stories to come, the course had a last minute change after the riders had set off. The river crossing to make it over the Godley River and to Lilybank station was a no go.  The final braid had become impassable over night,  after 4hrs of trying to figure out a route the swift water rescue team had to make the call that it was impassable after they were being swept off their feet trying to get across. 
The weather was calm and there had been no rain over night so whether it was snow melt or just a braided river moving around, there was too much water to cross. 
This was especially tough since the drop bags and logistics were already set on the other side of the river.  Safety is always number one so the right call was made and for the athletes to deal with a new plan is always tough - especially to make it back through the rough bluffs section a second time.
But you did it and that is often the most rewarding memories - when it doesn't go to plan but you figure out a way.
So congratulations to all involved and these are you stories from Catherine who ripped around the Merino Course and made it home first overall, to Matt Gordon who completed the Drover after 9hrs and 49minutes of riding his bike.

Welcome to the your Bonus Mackenzie Podcast for 2026 the 4th in the series this year as our event wrap up.
I am Richard Greer the Head coach and Team Captain of TeamCPNZ who have helped a number of people to prepare for this event with our Coaching and maybe you too if you have listed to our 2 lead in podcasts
These are my favourite podcasts that I put together - recorded live on the finish line where the legs are still sore but the vibes still high.
As we get underway I need to say a massive well done to everyone that took part of this event, who stood on the start line with your own goals to either race hard at the front or to enjoy the day out with family and friends - everyone challenging themselves in there own way. 

This year I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to share the MC duties with the amazing Stella Maris to cheer everyone home and share the stories of families doing it together, broken pedals to epic sprint finishes, it was pretty awesome.
To Kerry and her team you do an amazing job and there was nothing but praise on the finish line for the event that you put on and the team of volunteers making sure that everyone has the best day. 

This year as you will hear in some of the stories to come the course had a last minute change after the riders had set off, that the river crossing to make it over the Godley River and to Lilybank station was a no go.  The final braid had become impassable over night so after 4hrs of trying to figure out a route the swift water rescue team had to make the call that it was impassable after they were being swept off their feet trying to get across. 

The weather was calm and there had been no rain over night so whether it was snow melt or just a braided river moving around there was too much water to cross.  This was especially tough since the drop bags and logistics where already set on the otherside of the river.  Safety is always number one so the right call was made and for the athletes to deal with a new plan is alway tough - especially to make it back through the rough bluffs section a second time.
But you did it and that is often the most rewarding memories - when it doesn't go to plan but you figure out a way.
So congratulations to all involved and these are you stories from Catherine who ripped around the Merino Course who made it home first overall to Matt Gordon who completed the Drover after 9hrs and 49minutes of riding his bike.

Let's get set for race day. This episode is all about the fine-tuning, whether that’s what you’re putting in your body or how you’re tackling the Mackenzie.
We start things off with a session from sports dietitian Cushla Holdaway. Cushla is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to performance, and she’s here to help us figure out that all-important nutrition plan. We chat about how to actually use those aid stations effectively so you aren't carrying unnecessary weight, and exactly what kind of fuel you should have tucked away in your top tube bag for when the going gets tough on the bike.
Then, we’re joined by Sam Shaw. Sam is no stranger to the Mackenzie, having taken out the MTB title last year, but for 2026 he’s switching things up and bringing his gravel bike to the party. We talk through his training mindset, how he’s planning to attack the massive 170km Drover course, and he even shares a bit about his insane mission late last year where he set the Fastest Known Time for the ride from Auckland to Wellington.
It’s the perfect listen for your final taper rides or the drive up to the high country. Grab a brew, settle in, and let's get ready for The Mackenzie.

Run Akaroa 2026: The Preview
Lace up and get ready for the debut of the Run Akaroa Podcast! As we count down to the first-ever event in 2026, we’re diving deep into the heart of the Banks Peninsula to bring you the stories, the science, and the scenery behind the race.
In this episode, we cover all your bases:
The Vision: We sit down with Nik Mavromatis from Akaroa Salmon. Discover why one of they have jumped on board to support this event and what makes the Akaroa community so special.

The Fuel: Nutrition expert Cushla Holdaway joins us to talk about pre-race strategies to be well-fuelled and ready to go. Whether you're a front-runner or a weekend warrior, Cushla shares how to get your nutrition "dialed" so you can stand on the start line feeling confident with your nutrition.

The Course: Chris Morresey is fresh off a recent "reccy" run of the course. He gives us the boots-on-the-ground lowdown on the tough bits, the downhill, and where you’ll find the best views.

Whether you're training for the full distance or just love a good local yarn, this episode is your essential guide to the Run Akaroa experience.

COMMUNITY CONNECT PODCAST | BACKROAD ’26
What a ride. What a weekend. What a crew.Backroad ’26 is officially wrapped , and what an unforgettable three days it was.
23 cyclists.300+ kilometres of riding.
Tekapo → Ohau → Kurow → Hakataramea Pass → back to Tekapo. And somehow… not a single flat tyre across the entire trip (and just ONE mechanical!).

We were treated to near-perfect conditions, big skies, stunning landscapes, and (mostly) kind winds. The kind of riding that fills your cup.

Day 2 gets an honourable mention… honestly felt like three days packed into one. Starting beside the breathtaking Lake Ohau, with Aoraki / Mt Cook making a special guest appearance at breakfast , we went straight to work. A steady climb straight out the gate, but the kind you want to do, with views stretching back across the basin to Ben Ohau. From there, it just kept delivering. Epic chunky descents through golden tussock. Rolling into Quailburn Road with pacelines flying and smiles everywhere. A few detours to the Clay Cliffs. Others making a beeline for the Wrinkly Rams for a well-earned early lunch.And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… the Sailors Cutting climb. Stops, photos, deep breaths, soaking it all in. Truly magnificent. Then the drop down to the dam wall, lunch number two (of course), and a gritty push along Aviemore into a headwind that just wouldn’t quit. One last sharp climb with 5km to go… and then rolling into Kurow, straight to the Waitaki Hotel for a cold one, perfectly timed for the Warriors kickoff.

Moments like these are what it’s all about.

A massive thank you to our incredible supporters who loaded up the swag bags (a definite trip highlight!):
PURE NUTRITION
EM’S & OSM
THAT’S ITS
QUIRT CYCLING
You helped every kilometre, thank you.

In this episode, we also sit down with TEAMCPNZ Coach Amanda, sharing her coaching insights.

Most importantly, to the crew. The laughs, the grit, the support, the shared experience… that’s what makes Backroad so special.
We’re diving deeper into all the stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments on the latest Community Connect Podcast episode. And yes… planning for Backroad ’27 is already underway. Trust us — it’s going to be a cracker.

CPNZ MEDIA
Richard Greer – @ric.greer
https://www.teamcp.co.nz
@teamcpnz
https://www.facebook.com/teamcpnz
[email protected]