.. Zealand's first mountain biking stage race which began in Mt Somers last Wednesday and followed a challenging 241km course to finish in Lake Tekapo.

The pair won four of the five stages, completing the entire course in 18 hours and 48 minutes, just 23 minutes ahead of second place team C.A.F, Georgie McLean and Denise Thorn and 44 minutes ahead of Team Arrowsmith, comprising of Sally Smith and Janet Cuttie.

"Twenty three minutes over a course that long is really nothing. Anything can go wrong, so we had to remain focused right up to the end of the race. It was very close and the competition was tough," said Dimozantos. The pair, entered as Team Speedy-P and Ming-E went into the final stage of the race only 11 minutes ahead of second place and only 17 minutes ahead of third place. "It was anyone's race going into the last day. On the third day of the race, we only won the 84km stage by 30 seconds. Over 7 hours of racing to have it won in the last kilometre or so was pretty exciting."

The calibre of riders competing in the female field was definitely nothing short of impressive, Parker-Wynyard having represented New Zealand in mountain biking at the Commonwealth Games, Dimozantos currently seventh ranked female in the world for 24 Hour Solo mountain biking and other top athletes including past Commonwealth Games road cyclists and top New Zealand multisport racers.

"One of the best things about the event was the atmosphere and the sense of community. Sharing that experience with so many different people from all levels of riding was really quite special"

There was no doubt in the minds of the two riders that they will be back again next year. Parker-Wynyard said "Now we know what is in store for 4 days, we are keen to return to defend our title. The fact that I have said this only two days after, with blisters, bruising, fatigued muscles, chaffing and prickles still embedded proves how good the event was".

            For full results, visit www.alpineepic.co.nz