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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]

Join Angus and Richard for a comprehensive review of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. This part 2 – The Finish Line

Part 1: The Race Review: A deep dive into the 2-day team experience, the impact of the adjusted course over Arthur’s Pass, and the standout performances of the weekend.

Part 2: The Finish Line: On-the-ground interviews featuring race winners, finishers from all walks of life, and insights from Race Director Glen Currie.
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