2026 Ambassadors

Born and raised in Canterbury, I’ve been riding bikes since I could walk, I’m become equally as good at crashing as I am riding! I love everything on two wheels, whether it’s gravel, mountain, or road, and the more riders I can get to join me the better!

After tackling The Mackenzie Drover 2025, where we couldn’t quite make a full lap of Tekapo due to river conditions, I’m back with unfinished business — ready to take on the Muster and finally complete the loop of Tekapo. 

For me, it’s all about having fun, pushing my limits, and hopefully motivating a few others along the way. See you out there! And don’t forget your party shirt! 🤙 

Kia ora! My name is Katie, and I’m excited to be an ambassador for the 2026 Mackenzie Race. I’m based in Wānaka and love spending as much time as possible outdoors. I’ve been riding and racing bikes since I was a little nipper, and that passion has taken me to international mountain bike events. My love for exploring new trails and pushing my limits has only grown over the years. I’m looking forward to taking on a longer form of racing and seeing what I can put out on the day. 

I hope to motivate others to take the leap and challenge themselves. With a location as stunning as this, it’s hard to resist getting involved. 

See you at the start line!

Hi, I'm Shanel and I am so excited to ride The Muster at The Mackenzie in 2026. I live in the Hawkes Bay and I'm a mum of 2, wife, and adventurer. I've always been an adventure junky; into trail running and multisport and more recently mountain biking. I love getting out in nature with friends and family whenever I can and checking out new trails and places I havn't been to before.  

I can't wait to come to Tekapo and am looking forward to the views, the vibes and the river crossings at The Mackenzie.  

I love a new challenge and I can't wait for this one! 

Hiya, I’m Vicki Pluck, a young professional with an enthusiasm for trying new things & looking for the next challenge. I’m entering the 34km Merino race at The Mackenzie by Devold as an intermediate mountain biker looking to push myself out of my comfort zone.

While I’m fortunate to have great hills and trails in Mid Canterbury, I’m excited to test myself on new terrain and work towards achieving something I’ve never done before. With this will come a lot of nerves, training, and keeping my sight set on the end result.

For me, it’s about crossing the finish line, embracing the full experience, and pushing my limits.

I’ve entered The Mackenzie because it’s a fantastic event that is for all riders and take your pick between the e-bike, gravel bike or your mtb. I’ve set myself the challenge of completing the Drover, I’ve never done 100km+ so this will be a great adventure and push me further than ever before. 

The courses are great, not overly technical for new riders, and the stop at the top of lake for the toasties for those not chasing positions or podiums is a must do…. I have sampled them previously. 

So get along enjoy the beautiful scenery, the region, the fantastic vibes and people that make this event a must do. 

I’m Samara Sheppard, a professional off-road cyclist originally from Central Otago, New Zealand. 

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of representing New Zealand at an international level, competing in major mountain bike and gravel events. 

I’m really excited to take on The Mackenzie by Devold - I love that it gives us the chance to adventure through the remote and stunning landscapes of South Canterbury while embracing a true racing challenge. 

It’s an event that captures the spirit of exploration and the joy of riding in beautiful New Zealand.

Hi, My name is Lachlan but Lachie for short. I am fourteen and live in Otautahi, Christchurch.

I love competing and giving my all at events like The Mackenzie by Devold. I am looking forward to putting myself out there, competing with fast competitors and meeting lots of fun and kind people that have cool stories to tell. I can’t wait to see everyone on the start line ready for a big day of biking. 

I signed up for The Mackenzie by Devold to compete in an amazing race and try my best but to also see and meet new people. I would love it if more young guns like myself took part and enjoyed races like these to the fullest. Good luck to everyone on the starting line and see you out there

Lachie over and out.

Hey team,

I'm Jesse Whitehead and would consider myself as a bit of an outdoors man. I spend all week in the hills doing wilding conifer control, then typically back this up with a weekend in the hills training. I’m currently getting coached by Richard Greer and Team CP. 

Training for me generally stops straight after Waitangi weekend , but after a summer on the road and Tt bike I will be ready to jump back on the mountain bike. The reasons for entering The Mackenzie by Devold is that it’s a great chance to ride my bike through some of NZ iconic landscape (not that I will be paying too much attention, I will be head down and suffering). The other reason is who doesn't like taking down a few gravel bikes on the Mtb. 

Better get out and do some training, cheers!