Snow has settled on the high country and the inaugural Skins Alpine Epic is a hazy memory of low cloud, great food, marginal coffee, broken bikes, mud, laughter and organised chaos. By all accounts it was a cool few days, and we are pretty happy. We had a few issues with the weather forcing four last minute course changes, and we learnt lots, but overall the feedback has been great. Jump on our forum, or Vorb for a look at what people have said.

In summary, the men's open was won by Marcus Roy and Kashi Leuchs, with Megan Dimonzantos and Sadie Parker-Wynyard convincing winners of the women's open. There was tight racing throughout the event, full results are right here.

Our film-maker Ben, has been busy editing and pulling together the highlights DVD. It includes some stunning shots of the race, campsites and scenery, and features brand spanking NZ music fresh out of Dunedin. If you're interested you can pre-order now, it's $40 (including GST) which includes a courier to your door. Email us with your postage details and we will send you payment options. We will be ready to mail these in the next month.

24 to 27 February 2010.

Entries open 1st September 2009.

Similar dates, similar location, similar course, but not the same. We will be keeping some of the highlights, and venturing into some new territory.

Expect big sky, loose descents, the odd ripped tyre, expansive views and campsites featuring a couple of welcome surprises... all will be revealed later in the year.

Summer riding and the 2010 Alpine Epic might seem a while away, but before you sink into wintery depression remember that the lure of riding under a watery sun on a crisp morning is always hard to resist, and there are Tour de France highlights before work coming up, a couple of adventure races to look forward to, some backcountry missions on two planks, and the odd wintery night by the fire with your favourite cask of wine to keep you entertained.

We hope you have a good winter.

Cheers