New Zealand’s Rising Stars Dominate the Podium at Giant 2W Enduro

Over 250 riders from all over New Zealand took part in the Giant 2W Enduro race this weekend.

The Giant 2W Enduro, New Zealand's largest gravity enduro series, saw the country’s under-21 talent shine at this weekend’s event in Rotorua. Marking the second event in the series, six thrilling stages showcased world-class skills from rising stars and winners, Winni Goldsbury (Christchurch) and Joe Millington (Rotorua).

Goldsbury, fresh off two UCI MTB Enduro World Cup wins in Europe, dominated the women’s field to claim 1st place. Millington secured the top spot for the men, marking his second win this season. Both riders exemplify the high-calibre talent nurtured in New Zealand, with Millington previously receiving the 2W’s Mark Dunlop Scholarship, which helped fund his racing experience overseas.

“Pretty stoked to come here and ride the tracks and do well in the race.” says Goldsbury “It’s sick—quite different to where I normally ride. There’s no rocks here, which I appreciate, and it’s very smooth. The competition was pretty sick. Everyone was lovely—and fast! Great to go riding with Kate Hastings (2nd) and George Swift (3rd), they’re really fast and great people.”

Millington’s race tactics were to keep it simple. “I kinda just ride my bike how I want to ride my bike and hopefully the result comes at the end. I had a bit of a crash on the first stage and lost a bit of time, so I was a bit worried, but I managed to pull it back in the end. I love the racing here. I think it’s the best place to race.”

The Giant 2W Enduro season wraps up on 1 February 2025, when the season champions will be crowned. The event will also unveil the 2025 Mark Dunlop Scholarship and Cole Walker Award recipients, continuing the series’ tradition of investing in young talent.
With entries still open at www.2w.co.nz, riders are encouraged to secure their spot in New Zealand’s premier gravity enduro event, owned by Rotorua Mountain Bike Club and run by local endurance event specialists, Nduro Events.

Goldsbury and Millinton share the 6 Stage Overalls podium at Race 2 of this year’s Giant 2W Enduro.

Pearce Signal and Addison Rutherford in 1st place on the 4 Stage Overalls podium at Race 2 of this year’s Giant 2W Enduro.

Podium results:
6 Stage Overall: 1st. Joe Millington & Winni Goldsbury,  2nd. Daniel Cobb & George Swift.  3rd. Asher Hard & Kate Hastings. 6 Stage Overall eBike: 1st. Scotty Barr-Smith & Merryn Phillips, 2nd. Jeff Carter & Mia Musgrove, 3rd. Tony Watson
4 Stage Overall: 1st. Pearce Signal & Addison Rutherford, 2nd. Dom Leusink & Sophie Bayley, 3rd. Carter Thorne & Kote Kirkcaldie. 4 Stage Overall eBike: 1st. Warren Bartlett, 2nd. Connor Fitzgerald, 3rd. Mark joui Quines