2025 SINGLE SPEED NATIONAL CHAMPS
Whitlock and Pilkington lock in the top step at Pirongia MTB Park before battle for 2026 hosting rights won by a tyre bead
Words: Les McKenzie
Images: Joshua Herbes, supplied
Saturday April 26 dawned cool and moody like some single exponents are in their demeanour.
The Pirongia MTB park at Sainsbury Road was prepped, groomed and waiting like expectant love on its first date. Welcoming all with open arms the riders started to gather at registration to collect their race plate, complimentary shirt and hydration.
Competitors were split into two groups and rode in opposite circles to each other. There was congestion and carnage. This is The Circle of Doom, a distant voice shouted GO!!
A gate was opened, and the start of the 7km lap began. In what seemed like next to no time the first rider appeared to partake in the beer short cut then roared off on his second lap. Then the next wave of competitors came through some looking fresh and others looking not so fresh.
The riders then began their penultimate lap some turned up the heat and others just looking to finish. Much cheering and support from the many supporters on hand to support their charge.
The winner came into site and was looking as fresh as when he started. Outstanding, Shanan Whitlock the men’s 2025 NZSS Champion for his second title crossed the line and immediately said how much he enjoyed the challenges the trails posed.
Then the amazing Sarah Pilkington crossed the line, women’s 2025 NZSS Champion for her fourth title and Sarah was also very pleased with the course. The remaining riders came in groups, alone but relieved the winner had crossed the line.
Next came the challenge for the hosting rights in 2026.
There were representatives from Whanganui Mountain Bikers Club and a representative from the Chatham Islands.
The competitors were blindfolded then a bike wheel, bike tube and folding tyre were put in front of them.
They had to feel around to find what their challenge involved. The crowd really got into the mood squirting water squirting on the competitors, taunts, words of encouragement and phrases like “rub some pine needles on your tube” and it went down to the bead.
Eventually a winner was found. Whanganui are the 2026 hosts for the NZSSS Champs.
It was time to pack up and everyone headed away to freshen up for the prize giving and post-race rehydration.
First the winners had to be tagged.
The tattoo was a design by EmmaSinead @ Dylz tattoo. The Kokako was carrying the single speed sprocket synonymous with the sport. Kokako had not been seen on Pirongia since 1990. Between 2017 and 2022 four Kokako were released into the wild hence the background to the tatt!
The trophies, SS belt and the SS medal were presented along with the cloak and spotties provided by LEATT NZ and EVO.
Food was consumed and fluids too with Jessie and the O’Brien’s providing amazing sounds for three and a half hours.
General comments from competitors ranged from great, to amazing, to you guys killed it today and next level.
Whanganui you need step it up cos everyone is coming to you in 2026.
Event images supplied by Joshua Herbes of Real Experience marketing, a collective of creative companies built to deliver specialised and tailored solutions for a variety of industries.