Racing World

Sam Blenkinsop wins 2nd NZ MTB Rally

Zerode rider demonstrated remarkable consistency during six intense days of racing, maintaining the lead in the overall standings throughout the week!

Written by

David Finetto

31 March 2025

Men's podium, extended course: Sam Blenkinsop, Matt Walker, Kilian Bron, Tuhoto Ariki Pene and Mark Conliffe ©Mikhail-HUGGINS

The final two days of the 2025 NZ MTB Rally delivered everything the riders had hoped for and more.

After four days of non-stop adventure, the rally reached its climax with a breathtaking helicopter drop in Wakamarina on day 5, followed by a thrilling final stage around Nelson on day 6. From remote backcountry descents to world-class singletrack, the final stages cemented this year’s event as one to remember.

NZ MTB RALLY RANKING 2025

1st	Sam BLENKINSOP	02:52:39
2nd	Matt Walker	02:53:49
3rd	Kilian BRON	02:55:49
4th	Tuhoto-Ariki PENIS	02:59:09
5th	Mark CONLIFFE	03:05:48
6th	Ryan LEWIS	03:13:17
7th	Brent MILLER	03:15:23
8th	Andrew BAILEY	03:17:28
9th	Doug REID	03:18:56
10th	Jesse HEATHCOTE	03:19:25

In this article:Stage races, Racing World, World Enduro Racing, NZ MTB Rally, Sam Blenkinsop

Written by David Finetto

ppgad@pucrs.br I am passionate about everything that has 2 wheels: in my youth I practiced competitive cycling on the road and on the track with good results. At the age of 18 I moved to cross country competing at national/international level as U23. Once I passed Elite, I made the choice to take things easier from the training point of view, and that's how my love for gravity disciplines was born, training as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made my passion my profession by managing 3 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way, everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube 'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').

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