Kathmandu Coast to Coast Podcast is Back – Season 8 powered by TeamCPNZ!

We’re fired up to kick off Season 8 of the TeamCPNZ Kathmandu Coast to Coast Podcast, and what a way to start the 2027 season.

In Episode 1, we bring you stories, insights, and inspiration from across the field…We catch up with 2026 Longest Day Men’s Champion, Hamish Elliot, as he shares his journey to the Coast to Coast start line and the key learnings from an epic day out on course.

We also chat with TeamCPNZ athlete Calan Jones, who took on the 2 Day event this year. Calan reflects on her two-day adventure from the wild West Coast to the East Coast, offering real insights into what it takes to prepare for and tackle this iconic challenge.

And joining us for a race perspective, Race Director Glen Currie gives us a recap of the 2026 event, along with valuable tips for first-timers heading into 2027.

From elite performance to first-timer advice, this episode has something for everyone, whether you’re dreaming of the start line or already training.

We’re so excited to be back and to bring you another season of stories, learning, and community as we build towards the 2027 Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

TEAMCPNZ MEDIA HOSTS

Angus Petrie – @thecollabcreative

Richard Greer – @ric.greer

http://www.coasttocoast.co.nz

http://www.kathmandu.co.nz

https://www.teamcp.co.nz

@teamcpnz

https://www.facebook.com/teamcpnz

[email protected]

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]

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.

The Mackenzie 2026 – Season 1 – CPNZMedia Live

Steeped in big-screen-worthy history and wrapped in the raw beauty of the high country… The Mackenzie by Devold is back for 2026 , and we’re kicking off the season.

The Mackenzie Region is alive with legendary tales – pioneers, shepherds, wide open plains and the kind of rugged determination that shapes both land and people.

From station tracks to rolling hills, every turn of this course connects you to something bigger than just a bike ride.

– Ride the story.

– Feel the heritage.

– Be part of the legend.

In this episode we chat with Race Director Kerry Uren about what’s different for 2026, what riders can expect on course, and what’s shaping up to be another epic autumn in the high country.

We’re also joined by Gareth Brouwer, who’s taking on the 97km Bayleys | The Muster – Loop of Lake Tekapo For one day only, riders gain access to private high country stations, circling one of New Zealand’s most scenic lakes. Gareth shares what he’s most looking forward to and the race vibes building for this year.

If you’re curious about 2026, considering entering, or just love a good yarn about gravel, landscapes and legendary events – this one’s for you.

CP MEDIA HOSTS

Richard Greer – @ric.greer

https://themackenzierace.com/

https://www.teamcp.co.nz

@teamcpnz

https://www.facebook.com/teamcpnz

[email protected]

Motatapu 2026: Episode 3 – CP Media Live

On this Podcast to talk to Paula Rule – Mental skills coach about performing to your potential and to do this she talks through some ideas of how we can manage the start line nerves/excitement to make sure that we can pace ourselves well and have a great day out.

We speak to Lawrence Proffit from UDC a long time partner of the Motatapu and what it means to them to be involved with this iconic event and we wrap up with Edward Eaton who was second in last years Marathon.

Let’s get underway with Season 3 episode 3 of the Motatapu podcast

https://motatapu.com/

CP MEDIA HOST

Richard Greer – @ric.greer

http://www.motatapu.com

https://www.teamcp.co.nz

@teamcpnz

https://www.facebook.com/teamcpnz

[email protected]