New Zealand world mountain bike champion Samara (Sammie) Maxwell is taking a year-long break from competitive sport to safeguard her wellbeing and longevity.

New Zealand riders, Sammie Maxwell and Sam Gaze were impeded in an aggressive short track cross-country races at the UCI MTB World Series in the Czech Repulice

The size and status of New Zealand riders continues with over 25 kiwi mountain bikers contracted with professional teams