Sam Shaw on setting a new FKT on New Zealand’s Great Tracks

Sam Shaw on setting a new FKT on New Zealand’s Great Tracks

From With Pace by Payson McElveen

May 18, 2026 · 58 min · Season 1 · Episode 388

About this episode

Sam Shaw discusses his journey as an FKT setter and his recent achievements in New Zealand.

Sam Shaw isn’t your average FKT setter. The Kiwi rider has raced XC, gravel, and Enduro over the years (he was on the podium at XCO nationals just this year), but since getting married and starting a family, he’s worked full-time off the bike as an ecologist and carpenter. Last year, he set the fastest known time between Auckland and Wellington, beating Lachlan Morton’s record. Earlier this month, he set the FKT on the Great Tracks Traverse, a 240-mile route that covers New Zealand’s Paparoa ...

People in this episode

Host: Payson McElveen

Guest: Sam Shaw

Topics covered

  • fastest known time
  • mountain biking
  • New Zealand
  • ecology
  • family life
  • sports achievements

Keywords

  • FKT
  • Great Tracks Traverse
  • mountain biking
  • New Zealand
  • ecologist
  • carpenter
  • family
  • sports

Mentioned in this episode

Places: New Zealand, Auckland, Wellington, Paparoa

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