Olympians and World Championship medallists headline the opening cross-country rounds of the 2026 Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series in Christchurch, New Zealand, 24-25 January.

Entry Lists

Four-time Olympian and World Championship medallist Rebecca Henderson (Australia) headlines the elite women’s field. A consistent performer on the World stage with three World Cup wins and six Oceania titles to her name, Henderson will be the rider to watch.

Rising stars including Amelie Mackay (New Zealand) who finished third in the under 23 category last year and Cape to Cape MTB winner Sarah Tucknott who recently finished top 10 at the Australian Road National Championships will be looking to continue their rise in the sport.

In the elite men’s field Olympian and eight-time Oceania Champion Anton Cooper (New Zealand) will be looking to start 2026 strongly though countryman Sam Gaze a Marathon and Short Track World Champion will be tough competition.

The under 23 men’s category looks set to be hotly contested with Harry Doye (Australia), Coen Nicol (New Zealand) and Joel Dodds (Australia) the top three from a year ago all back. With eight podiums between them in 2025, they will all be looking to take the early lead over their rivals.

Amelie Mackay (New Zealand) and Maria Laurie (New Zealand) are names to keep an eye on in the under 23 category. Mackay finished third overall last year with two podium finishers and Laurie claim the win in the only round she competed in.

Rising stars will continue their development in the under 19 category. Oceania Champion Kayley McMillan will be looking to convert second overall in 2025 to a win in 2026. Though with defending champion Millie Junge also lining up both will have to be at the top of their game. In the under 19 men’s James Climo will be chasing back to back series titles.