Milford Mountain Classic, Cycle race, Milford Sound

FAQ's

Please note, the following information applies to the 2012 event. Some details may change for the 2013 event.

1.       What date is the event on?

Saturday 26 January, 2013

2.       How do we get to Milford?

Milford is the starting location for both the Distinction Hotels Milford Mountain Classic Individual and the Milford Mountain Classic two person team events.
Milford Sound township is 120km from Te Anau (State Hwy 94).
To drive through to Milford Sound, allow a minimum of 2 hours from Te Anau – longer if you intend stopping at any of the tourist scenic spots on the way through!
Ensure you have sufficient fuel to return to Te Anau, as there is no longer petrol or diesel for purchase by the public at Milford Sound.
Note: there will also be a lot of tourist traffic on this highway, the majority heading into Milford Sound in the morning, then returning to Te Anau from early to mid-afternoon, [hence our start time of 4.15pm, when the majority of this tourist traffic will have left Milford Sound].
Upon arrival at Milford please follow the directions of signs and traffic marshals as to where to park and/or drop off competitors. It is critical that you park as directed and not take up the tourist parking! 

3.       How do we get to Knobs Flat?

Knobs Flat is the starting location for both the Eglinton Challenge Individual event and the Eglinton Challenge two person team event as well as the changeover transition location for the Milford Mountain Classic two person team event.
Knobs Flat is 65km from Te Anau, on the Milford Highway.
Driving to Knobs Flat will take approximately 1 hour from Te Anau.
Note: there will also be a lot of tourist traffic on this highway – mostly traffic exiting from Milford Sound from mid afternoon.
Upon arrival at Knobs Flat please follow the directions of traffic marshals, as to where to park and/or drop off competitors. 

4.       Where do we collect the Race Packs from?

Information coming soon.

5.       When can we collect our race packs?

Information coming soon

 6.       Where do the events start from?

The starting locations for each of the events are outlined below:

7.       Is there transport available to the start of the events?

To be announced.

 8.       Where are the Race Briefings held?

The race briefings will be held at the start locations for each of the respective events. It is compulsory that you attend the briefing as it contains important safety information that you need to know to complete the event. 

 9.       When are the Race Briefings?

The race briefings for each of the events are outlined below:

 10.   What times do the events start?

The starting times for each of the events are outlined below:

11.   Are we able to take gear bags?

You can use a bag as a drop bag in which you can leave gear at the start. Your bag will be taken to the finish area at Te Anau for you to collect.
Uncollected bags from the Finish will then be available at the breakfast prizegiving the following morning at the Real Journey's Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau. 

 12.   What do we do with our Race Numbers?

Your race number will be in your race pack that you collect at registration on the day of the event. The race numbers must be attached to your back for the entire event. Attach your race number using the 4 safety pins provided. Team riders get two sets of numbers.

 13.   Are Wheel Tags being used for timing?

Yes, each competitor will be issued with a Wheeltinme tag that corresponds to their race number and an electronic time is automatically produced.
Your transponder should be firmly attached to your wheel tag 4 fingers below rim on the front left fork. If the wheel tag is not attached to your bike properly you may not receive an official time.

14.   Do our Wheel Tags need to be returned?

Yes, once you have crossed the finish line, please return your wheel tag to one of the marshals.
If you do not finish the event, please ensure you return your wheel tag to one of the marshals at the finish line.
If your wheel tag is not returned, you will incur a $50.00 replacement fee.

 15.   Can I wear an i-pod MP3 or other music player?

No, these are not permitted in the Event for safety and out of consideration to fellow competitors and the hazard they present in hearing traffic and Marshalls instructions.

 16.   What services will be available on the course?

Aid stations: there will be two aid stations along the course. These will be provided at The Divide (90km to go) and the top of Retford Hill at (35km to go).
Toilets: toilets are available on the course at The Divide; Knobs Flat and at Te Anau Downs as well as additional toilets just off the highway in camping sites, where indicated by Department of Conservation signage. 
Bike mechanics: these will be available at each start assembly area and neutral vans will accompany each race/major peleton group.
St John: full race support will be available including a dedicated event Ambulance and a Paramedic in the event's support helicopter. 
Sag wagons: these will tail end the whole course. 

 17.   What do we do with rubbish?

The event is primarily cycled through the Fiordland National Park. We are required to leave the National Park as we found it so would greatly appreciate all riders and supporters carefully managing their own rubbish. Littering the course will endanger the future of this race so please take out what you bring in - naturally this applies to the whole of the course!
In the approach to each aid station we request that drink bottles are only discarded within the zone and just into the water-table, so they are visible and readily able to be collected. 

 18.   Are there any cut-off times on the course?

No, there are no cut-off times on the course.

 19.   Are the roads closed for the race?

There are NO ROAD CLOSURES on the course therefore normal road rules apply throughout the duration of the event. Emergency vehicles and race officials will be constantly moving around the main bunches so keep an eye out for oncoming vehicles at any time.
Within the managed zone [Milford Sound to the Divide]; course officials will be working to ensure there are no vehicles on the road, other than those in official escorted convoys. From beyond The Divide you may expect following and oncoming traffic at any time. 

 20.   What services will be available at the Finish Area?

There will be a range of services available at the finish line adjacent to Lions Park on Mokonui Street including:

·         St John First Aid

·         Aid station (food and drink)

·         Drop bag

·         Entertainment

 21.   Is there a Reserve Day for the event?

In extreme weather, or other force majeure, (a natural disaster beyond the Event organisers control), the event will be postponed to Thursday 12th January 2012 (reserve day). All the event timing will remain the same regardless of the date. If required, this will be notified on the Milford Mountain Classic website, Facebook and text where practical.
In the event of severe weather on the western side of the main event, race organisers may shorten the course/change the start location if deemed necessary for safety of competitors and the public.
The organisers will ensure that this information is widely circulated around the Te Anau Community – particularly accommodation providers. Please plan appropriately in case of a possible postponement. If the reserve day cannot be used, the event will be cancelled and entry fees are non-refundable, although we will do our best to reschedule the event.

 22.   Is there Event Merchandise?

Distinction Hotels Milford Mountain Classic merchandise is available to order when completing your online registration. 
The Tineli short-sleeved race jerseys are $95.00 each.
The Tineli dri-fit t-shirts (all MMC individual entrants receive a complementary dri-fit t-shirt) are $35.00 each.
Merchandise orders placed before Sunday 16^th October will be available for collection from either Registration or the Prizegiving Breakfast at the Real Journey's Fiordland Community Events Centre (20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau).
Any uncollected merchandise will be posted to competitors at their expense. 
A post event merchandise order will also be placed, with delivery at a later date.

 23.   Where can I find out about the Results?

Confirmed official results will be on the event website (www.milfordclassic.co.nz) within 24 hours after the completion of the event.

 24.   Is there a Prizegiving for the event?

The prizegiving will be held at the Real Journey's Fiordland Community Events Centre (20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau) at 8.00am on Thursday 12^th January 2012. A breakfast function will accompany the prizegiving.
As well as trophies and category prizes, there is a fantastic array of spot prizes up for grabs - but you must be present at the prizegiving breakfast to receive these.