Nelson came alive at the end of September as over 600 young riders, their families, and supporters from across Aotearoa descended on our trails for the 2025 Forsyth Barr National School MTB Champs. Across four days of racing in Downhill, Cross Country, Relay, and Enduro, we saw incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship on display.
The Champs weren’t just about competition — they were a celebration of mountain biking, our local trails, and the community that makes it all possible. With hundreds of volunteers, thousands of laps, and plenty of smiling faces, the event showcased what makes Nelson a world-class destination for riders of all levels.
From 29 September – 2 October, riders competed in Downhill, Cross Country, Cross Country Relay, and Enduro — across some of Nelson’s finest trails. The event brought national attention to Nelson’s mountain bike scene and showcased our community as a capable host of large-scale sporting events.
Over riders and their supporters travelled from across Aotearoa, filling local accommodation, shuttles, and shops. More than 200 volunteers contributed hundreds of hours to build trails, marshal courses, and keep things running smoothly — a huge testament to the strength of our riding community.
Our goal was simple: to celebrate mountain biking, provide a positive experience for young riders, and position Nelson as a world-class destination for events and recreation. We also wanted to make lasting, positive impacts on our trail network — creating new trails that meet the needs of our wider community and strengthen the riding opportunities available to all our members, while delivering tracks that could host an event of this scale. Judging by the smiles, feedback, and full trails all week — we are incredibly proud of what we achieved.
Hundreds of volunteer hours went into creating and reinstating one of Nelson’s original trails, Devil’s Tail, now named Te Ara Whakaheke, and the purpose-built XC course — both built with the school’s event and our members in mind.
The action kicked off with DH practice and two massive race days — over 4000 laps of the DH in four days! Local riders shone, with Lucas Malham setting the fastest overall male time (2:56.59) and Pippi Taylor taking the female’s (3:41.60).
Next up was Cross Country and Relay. The custom-built XC course featured tight switchbacks, steep A-lines, rock gardens, and a dual slalom section linking into the Arboretum Trail. Riders called it one of the best XC courses they’d ever ridden — and we couldn’t agree more. We’re incredibly grateful to the crew of volunteers who built the single track section and to the Nelson City Council and Ngāti Koata for their support in making the dual slalom and Arboretum trail sections happen.
The final day saw riders tackle the five-stage Enduro on some of Nelson’s favourite city-centre trails — Koata Whetu, Turners, Top Dog, Hotbox, and Loam Ranger. We wanted everyone, from first-time U13 racers through to U20 elites, to love the trail selection — and they did. New Plymouth Boys’ rider Dexter Lock was the only racer to go sub-10 minutes (9:58.33), while Lincoln High School’s Lucy Jenkins Jablonski was the fastest female at 10:58.
A huge thank you to our naming sponsor Forsyth Barr for backing this event, and to Gravity Nelson for your ongoing support of both the Champs and everything MTB in Nelson. Thanks also to Bowater Toyota, Tineli, Maitai Valley Camping Ground, Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, Rutherford Hotel, MTF Finance Nelson, Fresh Choice, Nelson City Council, Ngāti Koata, the Lion Foundation, and the many local businesses who pitched in.
And to our volunteers — none of this would have been possible without you. We’re humbled by the time, care and passion you gave to this event. From course marshals and drivers to medics, trail builders, registration crews, and everyone in between — your energy and commitment made this event shine.
Congratulations to all riders who gave it everything — from first-timers to podium finishers. Special shoutouts to the overall champions and to every school that brought such incredible team spirit and support.
To everyone who came, rode, cheered, volunteered, or just soaked up the atmosphere — thank you. You helped showcase Nelson’s trails, our people, and our community at its best. We hope you left with full hearts, big smiles, and plans to come back soon.
Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa,
Nelson Mountain Bike Club & the National School Champs Event Team
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