GODZone announces teams

0
1750

70 teams from 11 nations will converge on Kaiteriteri this April for the fifth chapter of New Zealand’s premier adventure race, GODZone.

The official team list has been released today and it is proving to be New Zealand’s largest ever field.

The grueling event runs from April 2 to April 9 and is the largest and most technically challenging expedition race in the world.

GODZone Race Director Warren Bates says they have some very worthy and notable international teams traveling out to compete against the Kiwi teams.

“The past four chapters of GODZone have been won by the Kiwi World Champions and number one ranked team, Seagate, led by Nathan Fa’avae. However, this year Nathan has taken a hands on role in course development which may provide another team with the chance to cement a place in the history of the sport and put their name on the trophy,” says Warren.

The event will have it’s largest ever contingent of racers from the USA and the UK, including the third highest ranked team in the world, Adventure Medical Kits led by Kyle Peter.

“It’s fantastic to see the North American teams wanting to travel to New Zealand and experience racing in the spiritual home of the sport. Team Bones and Team Yogaslackers have a huge amount of experience and will have high expectations,” says Warren.

“Adventure Medical Kits are highly motivated to triumph and have stated publicly that they want to be the first international team to win in New Zealand for over two decades.”

South Korea will be represented for the very first time with a team lead by adventurer Kyu Po Pyun and team Real Discovery, returning for a second consecutive year, will fly the Japanese flag.

Australian teams lead the international contingent with 11 teams racing and will once again have a very strong presence at the event.

Other countries represented at the race include South Africa, South America, Sweden, and Canada.

High profile rugby legend Richie McCaw will also draw attention racing in his inaugural event alongside NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol. Their team will be raising money for GODZone’s recipient charity, Cure Kids.

“We hear Richie is training pretty hard and is showing a fair degree of natural aptitude for adventure racing. There is no doubt his presence has elevated the buzz around the event and the media are as excited as we are about his presence,” says Warren.