The Pioneer
📍 Southern Alps, New Zealand
mtb
Date
28 November–3 December 2026
Distance
~250km total · 5 stages
Elevation
7,000 m
Difficulty
mtb
Coppermine Mountain Biking Festival 2026
Nelson, New Zealand · 26-27 September 2026
Difficulty: 4/5 — Very hard
This two-day mountain bike festival in New Zealand features several challenging backcountry cross-country races on Saturday, ranging from 39km to 75km with significant elevation gain, followed by a day of various cross-country events on Sunday for all ages and abilities.
Visit official site →- Distances
- 42km · 75km · 39km
- Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Surface
- singletrack, gravel, dirt
- Typical W/kg
- 3–4
Rider fit
Who it's for
Experienced mountain bikers looking for a challenging backcountry race or a fun weekend festival celebrating the sport.
Who will struggle
Beginners or riders not comfortable with steep climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable backcountry terrain will find this event very demanding.
Training focus
Focus on building climbing strength, descending skills, and endurance for varied backcountry terrain.
Are you ready for this race?
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
FAQs
What are the distances for the Coppermine Mountain Biking Festival?+
Saturday's events include the Coppermine Classic (42km, 1100m vert), the ultimate Double Coppermine (75km, over 2000m vert), and the Epic Coppermine (39kms, 1430m vert). Sunday offers various cross-country event lengths for different levels.
What is the terrain like?+
The race weaves through Nelson's best backcountry trails, traversing the Coppermine Mineral Belt and Dun Mountain, featuring technical sections and a newly refurbished descent.
Is there an e-bike category?+
Yes, there is an Untethered E-MTB Challenge on Saturday, which is the first event in New Zealand to offer this category.
What is the format of the event?+
The 2026 event is a two-day festival. Saturday features backcountry XC mountain bike racing in multiple formats, and Sunday opens the trails to all ages and abilities with cross-country events.
Where does the race start and finish?+
Both days start and finish at the Maitai Recreation Hub next to the golf course.
