Team CPNZ - Endurance Sports Podcast

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]

216: TEAMCPNZ QUICK CONNECT EP 56 – Mark Talbot – ‘STAY INFORMED AND STAY CONNECTED’
Today we catch up with Mark Talbot who recently completed the Tuatara 1000 which is an unsupported week-long bike packing adventure around Southland.
We talk about how he prepared, the highs and lows over the course of the week and discuss the all important toast score at the end of the week.
Prior to this, we chat to TeamCPNZ coach Tim Hanson to discuss how his summer of events has finished up and share his big news!

217: TEAMCPNZ QUICK CONNECT EP 55 – Amy Whitehead – ‘STAY INFORMED AND STAY CONNECTED’
In our latest CP Community Connect Podcast, Richard is joined by Amy Whitehead for a great chat about adventure, challenge and community. Together they dive into Amy’s experience at the Spirited Women’s Adventure Race, her inspiring Adventure for Dementia fundraising challenge, the world of Backyard Ultra running, and the role our TEAMCPNZ Adventure Squad plays in getting people out there giving it a go. It’s a conversation full of inspiration, resilience and a real love for the adventure journey.

Welcome back to our popular Community Connect Podcast for 2026! Today I have the pleasure of talking to Kate Downer, who recently completed the 24hr True West Adventure Race. Kate is an adventure guru from way back, but over recent times, family life and a career change have meant that epic adventures haven't been on the radar.
The True West Adventure Race on the West Coast has been the goal over the past year, so today we get to discuss how it went and how she got there.