Olympians Anton Cooper (New Zealand) and Rebecca Henderson (Australia) showed their skill winning the second round of the 2026 Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series in Christchurch, New Zealand, 25 January.

Cooper, Henderson, Jack Ward (Australia), James Climo (New Zealand) and Kaylee McMillan (New Zealand) all claimed back-to-back series wins with Marie Laurie (New Zealand) turning the tables in the under 23 women’s to take the second round.

The 2026 Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series continues with downhill round 2 – 19-22 February in Christchurch, New Zealand and cross-country 28 February – 1 March in Canberra, Australia.

Cross-country Rankings after Round 2

Elite Men

There was no stopping Cooper on his home trails as he raced away to a dominant victory on the elite men’s race to start his 15th year in the professional ranks.

In his trademark style he gradually rode everyone off his wheel as he covered the six laps of the course in one hour and 23 minutes and five seconds, three minutes clear of Sam Gaze (New Zealand) with Pierrick Burnet (France) a further three minutes back.

“It feels good to get two wins. We missed the rain on both days,” said Cooper. “The tracks are riding really well, and I am happy to go two-from-two and get a fat stack of points which really helps with my world ranking, which is really important to get short track at the World Cups.

“These two results should solidify a spot in the top-40 so I am happy to have these two races here. It is a huge benefit to us kiwi riders. We don’t have too many races here so to do that here and get maximum points is nice.”

“I love racing at home. It is a fun place to ride and race, and the club do a great job in organising and preparing the track.”

1 Anton Cooper (New Zealand) 1:23:05
2 Sam Gaze (New Zealand) 1:26:05
3 Pierrick Burnet (France) 1:29:35

Elite Women

Henderson claimed her second win after striking out early on the opening lap and had quickly built a 13 second lead by the end of the first lap and kept building from there eventually stopping the clock in 1:24:29.

Finishing over three minutes clear of Mary Gray (New Zealand) who took back-to-back second place finishes with Sarah Tucknott (Australia) claiming a maiden podium just under a minute further back.

“I need a boost with my world rankings going into this year after missing quite a bit of racing last year,” said Henderson.

“It is a fresh reminder to find the rhythm of how to race. I am happy with how it has worked out.”

Henderson heads to Europe next week before returning for the next series rounds in Canberra at the end of February.

“I am looking forward to a home race and all the racing opportunities that have been given to us this season by the Kiwis, Aussies and the Oceania Federation.”

1 Rebecca Henderson (Australia) 1:24:29
2 Mary Gray (New Zealand) 1:27:31
3 Sarah Tucknott (Australia) 1:28:13

Under 23 Men

Round two in the under 23 men’s was a repeat of the opening round with Jack Ward racing away to the win in 1:08.49, which included the fastest lap of the day by any rider.

He finished over three minutes clear of New Zealand duo Fletcher Adams and Coen Nicol a further two minutes back.

“It was real good out there. It was a bit slick in some spots and there were some good techy sections. I really enjoyed it,” said Ward.

1 Jack Ward (Australia) 1:08:49
2 Fletcher Adams (New Zealand) 1:11:41
3 Coen Nicol (New Zealand) 1:13:21

Under 23 Women

In an exciting race with the lead changing across the four laps, it was New Zealand’s Maria Laurie who turned the tables from a day earlier to take the lead on the final lap and surge to the finish.

Returning from injury her time of one hour 11 minutes and 39 seconds for the four laps saw her finish just over half a minute clear of round one winner Ruby Taylor (Australia) with Milla Phipps (New Zealand) rounding out the podium in third.

“It was a lot better today. I managed to pace myself quite which was good to come back at the end on the last lap and pull through,” said Laurie.

1 Marie Lauria (New Zealand) 1:11:39
2 Ruby Taylor (Australia) 1:12:13
3 Milla Phipps (New Zealand) 1:12:20

Under 19 Men

James Climo led home a New Zealand one-two-three repeat of the opening stage as he solidified his position at the top of the standings with Levi Gear and Tommy Mollison completing the podium.

1 James Climo (New Zealand) 1:12:28
2 Levi Gear (New Zealand) 1:15:44
3 Tommy Mollison (New Zealand) 1:15:48

Under 19 Women

Oceania Champion Kaylee McMillan was again in a league of her own winning by over 10 minutes in an all New Zealand podium with Dulcie Copeland and Bianca Stewart in second and third.

1 Kaylee McMillan (New Zealand) 1:08:02
2 Dulcie Copeland (New Zealand) 1:21:19
3 Bianca Stewart (New Zealand) 1:24:24

Full Results