The Coppermine 2025: A New Era
A Festival of Mountain Biking
For more information and to enter visit www.coppermine.co.nz or check out our www.Facebook.com/Thecoppermine and www.Instagram.com/thecoppermine.
Introduction: The Evolution
From Alpine Epic to Mountain Bike Festival
Shifting from a singular, formidable race to a multifaceted festival of mountain biking.
Building a sense of community and celebrating the shared passion for the ride itself.
A Broader Appeal
Welcoming a wider spectrum of riders, from the dedicated elite competitor to the passionate weekend adventurer and their families.
What’s New for 2025
A revolutionary redesign of the course’s signature descent.
The introduction of bold new categories that cater to every level of ambition.
The Coppermine
Race Over the years, always a hit.
The Soul of the New Coppermine: The Descent, Reimagined
Acknowledging the Past
The old descent was a legendary test of survival, not speed.
Its raw, unforgiving terrain featuring “chunder” and “baby heads” was a significant deterrent for many potential participants.
A New Era of Speed and Flow
The 10km descent has been completely overhauled and resurfaced.
It is now a fast, exciting ribbon of backcountry singletrack, rideable by all levels.
The redesign features a fast surface, fun switchback corners, and sections of pure flow.
The New Descent: A Dual Appeal
For the Intermediate Rider
A confidence-inspiring thrill ride in a predictable environment.
An opportunity to enjoy high speed and dynamic cornering.
The focus is on enjoying the ride and finding a rhythm, rather than just surviving it.
For the Elite Racer
The game has changed from technical survival to a high-speed tactical battleground.
The smooth, fast surface means one thing: raw, unadulterated velocity.
Descent times in 2025 are expected to be exceptionally fast, making this a decisive part of the race.
The Coppermine: A race for everyone
New Categories for Every Ambition
The Double Coppermine: The Ultimate Test of Mettle
A new, ultra-endurance category designed for seasoned athletes who thrive on pushing beyond conventional limits.
This category creates an aspirational peak for the entire event.
The Untethered E-MTB Challenge: A Modern Test of Strategy
A unique racing format that celebrates the distinct challenge of E-MTBs.
The “Untethered” rule requires riders to complete the course on a single, non-swappable battery.
This simple rule transforms the race into a masterclass in tactical energy management.
The Untethered E-MTB Challenge: The Rules
A Legitimate and Fair Race Format
Bike Classification
Only Class 1 E-MTBs are permitted, providing pedal-assist up to 20 mph (or 32 km/h).
No Throttles
All throttle mechanisms are strictly prohibited.
Power Regulations
Motors must adhere to the standard of a 250-watt maximum continuous rated power.
The Golden Rule
One battery only. Riders may not carry additional batteries or receive a battery swap.
Technical Inspection
All E-MTBs must undergo mandatory pre-race technical inspection, with top finishers subject to a post-race inspection.
Gravity has been running the Coppermine race for quite a few years
A New Identity: The Coppermine Festival
New Core Narrative
The old theme of “conquering” the mountain is being replaced by a more inclusive message of personal achievement and community.
“It’s no longer about conquering the mountain; it’s about finding your rhythm, achieving your goal, and sharing the stoke with a community of fellow riders.”
The Coppermine: Find Your Flow
This slogan is modern, active, and speaks to the experience of the redesigned descent.
It refers to both the physical experience of riding and the psychological state of energized focus that riders seek.
2025 Event Structure
The Coppermine Classic
The iconic ride, reborn. Fast, flowing, and unforgettable for intermediate to expert riders.
The Double Coppermine
A new legend is born. This is the ultimate challenge for elite endurance athletes.
The Untethered E-MTB Challenge
Power, pace, and tactics. The ultimate E-MTB test of strategy.
The Descent
Helicopters Nelson have put up a $1000 helibike voucher for the fastest individual descent.
Helibike Tours around Nelson, New Zealand ©Mikhail Huggins
Conclusion: Your Invitation
An Event Reborn
The 2025 Coppermine Mountain Bike Festival is built around the pure joy of the ride.
A Challenge for Every Ambition
Featuring the iconic Classic, the ultimate Double Coppermine, and the tactical Untethered E-MTB Challenge.
More Than a Race
This is a gathering of the tribe—a weekend of shared stories, personal triumphs, and collective stoke.
Choose your challenge. Find your rhythm. We’ll see you at the start line.
Have any questions? Something not working or unclear? Flick us an Email to info@gravitynelson.co.nz
Please feel free to drop into Gravity Nelson with any of your questions, for directions to the trail, guided orientation rides around the Coppermine, or your nutrition and maintenance needs before the race.
