A brother versus brother clash will be among the highlights of this weekend’s Whaka 100 Mountain Bike Marathon, with more than 3,000 mountain bikers from across the globe gearing up to tackle Rotorua’s world-class trails.

The three-day event kicks off on Friday, October 25, at Whakarewarewa Forest.

Running alongside the flagship Shimano 100 km event are six sub-events of varying distances: That’s It 10km, Stan’s 25km, New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 50km, the 5km Kids’ Fun Ride, the 172km Whaka Miler event, and the fast and furious Whaka Eliminator.

“There’s something for everyone,” says Event Spokesperson Mike Cockin.

“Since the first race in 2007, participant numbers have increased by 2000%. Word has caught on, so much so that we’re now attracting world-leading athletes from across the globe.”

The trails are world-class - Ben Oliver pictured first in line at 2022 Whaka 100. Photo supplied.

Scottish mountain bike pro Katy Winton is among them.

Due to her race team folding at the end of 2023, and no teams with budget for an extra rider, she pushed pause on her racing career, but the prospect of competing in the Whaka 100 was something she couldn’t resist.

“Stopping racing for 2024 when I wasn’t done yet… that was quite a big part of me to lose, so getting back into training with the Whaka 100 in mind has been a real saviour.

“It’s a bit like the North Star in the sense that it’s something to aim for, and it’s helped me feel like my old self again.”

Winton says the course trails feature “some of the best riding in the world”.

“Rotorua is an incredible riding spot. The fact you can ride for up to 100km on incredible singletrack and not end up on the same trail twice is unheard of – it’s hard to find that anywhere else.”

Katy Winton in action. Photographer credit - Sven Marti.

Closer to home is 27-year-old Christchurch athlete Ben Oliver, two-time winner of the Whaka 100, who last year was pipped at the post by his older brother, Craig.

“This year it’s a race of redemption for me. I’ll be trying to get that top spot again and not letting the older bro win.”

Oliver has just returned home after spending six months in Colorado, where he competed in the 2024 Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series and the American Criterium Cup series.

“For me the Whaka 100 is a firm favourite. Some people think it’s pretty crazy doing a whole season of racing and not coming home to rest, but I always like to squeeze in the Whaka 100 at the end of it.”

About 92% of the riders are travelling to Rotorua for this year’s event, including 80 international athletes coming from as far afield as Singapore, Japan, the United States and United Kingdom. The remaining 8% are local riders, including Rotorua man Karl McKnight.

Eight years ago, McKnight suffered brain swelling after being hit by a cricket ball. Just months later, he entered the Whaka 100. Now, “fully recovered and better prepared,” he’s ready to give it another shot, this time at full strength.

“After the accident happened there was a moment where I didn’t think I’d make it out of hospital alive, but here I am. It was tough but it’s given me a new perspective.

“Life isn’t all about dollars and cents – it’s for enjoyment. I want to challenge myself and have fun while I’m at it.”

Cockin says the 2024 event has plenty to offer spectators.

“The women’s Shimano 100km is shaping up to be an exciting race to watch. With last year’s winner Josie Wilcox unable to attend, the field is wide open for top contenders.

“Previous winner and Olympian Sammie Maxwell is back at the start line, while US rider Gwendalyn Gibson from Trek Factory Racing could become the first international rider to claim victory.”

Katy Winton in 2021. Photo credit kike_abelleira.

More than 5,000 litres of PURE Sports Nutrition electrolyte has been sourced for the event, as well as 8,000 litres of water. More than 200 volunteers will be supporting the event.

In 2023 the event’s success resulted in an estimated $4.5m economic boost to the local economy, providing more than 8,000 bed nights.

Rotorua NZ chief executive Andrew Wilson says the Whaka 100 is a great opportunity for participants to experience Rotorua’s unique flavour.

“With the forest, lakes, stunning geothermal features and rich Māori culture all on our doorstep, Rotorua is a world-class destination with a strong legacy of hosting manuhiri (visitors) for more than 150 years.

“We can’t wait to welcome them here to Rotorua so they can experience all that is amazing about our geothermal wonderland.”

Last year, Rotorua was named by Forbes as one of the 50 hottest tourism destinations in the world, and in 2019 the International Mountain Biking Association reaffirmed Rotorua’s status as one of the globe’s premier mountain biking destinations.

It is one of just six ‘Gold Status’ destinations worldwide.