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The Team

Carly Parker Event Co-ordinator

Carly is a passionate sporting event professional and comes from an extremely successful 8 years at the Cardrona Alpine Resort. The events team at Cardrona regularly host World Cup events in Halfpipe, Big Air and Slopestyle with the world's best flocking. All the way through to the Junior Alpine Nationals and bespoke events as the Jossi Wells invitational. This wealth of event knowledge makes her a valuable asset in our team and it also helps she loves the outdoors.

Suze Hansen Volunteers Manager

Queenstown local Fitness Coach and MTB specialist, Suze Hansen has competed in so many Motatapu's she has lost count, including the very first one! 2021 will be her third year as Volunteers Manager and she relishes working with all the amazing people in our community who put their hand up to help deliver this amazing event. She also fits in working on The Pioneer and Queenstown Marathon, amongst her successful coaching business, Real Fitness. And when she is not working or mountain biking, you will find her up ripping the ski fields. She is very excited to be part of the new team and looks forward to welcoming back some familiar faces this March!

Sophie Luther Media & Marketing Manager

Sophie has a passion for sports, media and the mountains. As a past professional sportswoman herself, she loves getting people involved in sport from beginners giving it a go, through to elite athletes. She has over 15 years experience in international sports events including the Winter Games NZ, Volvo Ocean Race, America’s Cup, European Golf Tour, The Ashes and NZ Cricket series and more recently Challenge Wanaka. as well as being part of Triathlon NZ team. Sophie has competed in the Motatapu Mountain Bike Race three times and is very proud to be part of this awesome team, delivering an event she is passionate about. She manages Media, Marketing, Broadcast and the Communications of the Motatapu.

Craig Gallagher Director / Owner

Returning to the Motatapu after 5 years away Craig brings his operational skills and event management experience as a local owner. Settling in 'The Adventure Capital of NZ', Queenstown, in 2011 he is driven for success in event management when he works on major events across the district including QLDCs New Year’s Eve and LUMA, and previously ODI Cricket and Queenstown Winter Festival for 8 years.

Gemma Peskett Race Director / Owner

If you recognise Gemma's face that's because you will have seen her around the Motatapu as previous Race Director for many years. Over 15 years ago Gemma was thrown in the deep end in with sports event management and absolutely loved it, that event just happened to be the inaugural Motatapu in 2005. Gemma went on to spend 10 years working on Motatapu in various capacities, event coordinator, event manager, volunteer, race director, so you could say the race is in her blood. Gemma has a breadth of knowledge and passion for the event and is proud to be back at the helm as an owner and race director. In her break from Motatapu, Gemma was involved with Challenge Wanaka, Queenstown Winter Festival, NZ Rural Games, Queenstown Marathon and continues to be involved with Winter Games NZ and Kathmandu Coast to Coast.