Our Athletes.

Team: Rockrider Ford Racing

Sammie Maxwell is a standout graduate of the NZ Mountain Bike Academy (NZMTBA). From her early days with us, it was clear Sammie had something special - not just talent on the bike, but a quiet determination and deep resilience that would take her far. She made history in 2023 by becoming the first New Zealand woman to win the U23 Cross-Country World Championship, and in 2025 she raised the bar again with a breakthrough elite World Cup victory in Brazil.

Sammie’s path hasn’t always been smooth, but her strength has shone through. She earned her place in the Paris Olympics, where she finished eighth in the world. Off the track, Sammie is equally driven, with a degree in biomedical science and ambitions in cancer research.

At NZMTBA, we’ve watched Sammie grow into a world-class athlete, a role model, and a trailblazer for women in the sport. Her story reflects everything we value: grit, integrity, and a passion for progress - on the bike and beyond.

Team: MS Intense Factory Racing

Tuhoto-Ariki Pene’s journey from Rotorua’s local trails to the international downhill stage is nothing short of impressive. A rider from a young age, Tuhoto honed his skills through NZMTBA programmes, where his natural talent, work ethic, and strong cultural grounding set him apart. He’s gone on to achieve huge milestones - bronze at the 2019 UCI Junior World Championships, multiple Crankworx podiums, and in 2023, earning the title of King of Crankworx. Most recently, in 2025, he claimed the Elite Men's Downhill National Championship title on home soil in Rotorua.

Tuhoto’s story is one of commitment, humility, and mana. He brings pride not only to his whānau and iwi, but also to the wider NZMTBA community. We’ve watched with admiration as he’s grown into a leader both on and off the bike - mentoring younger riders, staying connected to his roots, and riding with heart. He exemplifies what we strive to cultivate in every athlete who comes through the Academy.

Team: Trek Factory Racing Downhill (TFR DH)

​Lachie Stevens-McNab rise through the ranks of elite downhill racing has been nothing short of outstanding. From his early days training with us at NZMTBA, Lachie stood out for his raw speed, technical precision, and unwavering determination. Now, at just 21, he’s a top-10 world-ranked rider, racing for Trek Factory Racing DH and proving himself on the biggest stages in the sport. 

Lachie’s 2024 season was a breakout year where he finished podium finishes at World Cups in Leogang and Mont-Sainte-Anne, and capped it off with a commanding win at the Fox US Open in Vermont. In 2025, he continued that momentum with a victory at the Crankworx Rotorua Taniwha Downhill and a win at the Oceania Continental Series in Rotorua, cementing his status as one of the fastest riders in the world. 

What makes Lachie truly special is his grounded attitude and connection to his roots. Whether he’s racing overseas or back home in Rotorua, he brings the same full-send energy that defined him as a young rider at NZMTBA. He’s also a natural leader mentoring younger riders, sharing his experiences, and showing that success is built on hard work, resilience, and a passion for riding.

We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in Lachie’s journey, and we can’t wait to see where his talent and drive take him next.

Team: Santa Cruz Syndicate

From Ellie’s first camp with us at NZMTBA, she showed a rare mix of talent, race smarts, and quiet determination. A strong performer in cross-country and marathon disciplines, she quickly made her mark, consistently becoming a consistent podium finisher at national level and earning selection to represent New Zealand at multiple international events.

In 2023, Ellie took on her first European race block, gaining valuable experience on the World Cup circuit and holding her own against some of the world’s best U19 riders. Back home, she claimed the U19 National XCO title and backed it up with a dominant performance at the Oceania Championships. Her progression continued into 2024, where she stepped up to U23 competition and made an immediate impact.

Ellie combines grit with humility, and her steady rise through the sport is no accident. She brings a strong work ethic, a grounded mindset, and a deep love for the sport - qualities that make her not just a great athlete, but a brilliant teammate and leader within the NZMTBA whānau.