Holiday with a Purpose
With Craig Murray
Craig Murray is a unique athlete from Aotearoa, New Zealand, currently residing in BC, Canada. He is known for his giant airs on snow, but recently has shown he can be one of the fastest on dirt.
We caught up to him to see how he got here, and one thing stuck “It’s like a holiday with a purpose.”
“I love the contrast between the two sports. Flying down a trail with friends or skiing a line are so different, yet I feel truly free doing both.”
“When it comes to competition, I find that racing the clock on my bike is refreshing. I love the concept of yourself against time. Everybody has their own trials and tribulations over the course, but the playing field is even, so you must own any mistakes.”
“The spirit of Enduro also draws me in. Having big adventures is always exciting. Especially when you have to work with others and problem solve. That fosters camaraderie, which is a great feeling. You are always closer whether it is a hard or good time shared. I hope that spirit is never lost”
You are one of the only athletes in the world doing two sports at the highest level, how did this come to be?
“After growing up with it, I am someone who enjoys diversity and dynamicity in my life. I feel comfortable in changing environments and thinking on the fly. Usually thriving at a challenge or task, I can feel the myself rise to the occasion. This is when I am the most confident in myself and my abilities.
I also know that I operate in a clearer headspace if I give myself some direction to follow. It can be anything, small or large, over a short or long time.
When I graduated University, I suddenly had free time in the middle of my year (thanks to being a pro skier), and I had a Firebird that I was almost addicted to, so I entered three races and decided to make bikes my focus in those few months off snow. This so called ‘down time’ became my vacation, with intense moments sprinkled throughout. It’s like a holiday with a purpose, and a healthy amount of hard work… However, I’ve realized I enjoy that. Having a reason to travel to new places, meet interesting people and riding good trails would be my favorite holiday anyway. Throw a few races in and that’s just bonus fun!
Tell us more about the journey, how long have you been racing for?
My first professional race was in Tweed Valley two years ago. I entered the open class and ended up in 3rd. It was an amazing day and introduction to the EWS, as well as the privateer lifestyle. After linking up with two other loaded Van-zacs, we headed to Petzen for the next round. This race didn’t go as well. I had three major crashes in my first stage. I remember trying to get to the finish line after the final crash, stunned and winded, blood seeping out my clothes, I couldn’t put weight on my left leg, and one hand wasn’t working properly. I dropped my bike at the finish line, fell over the barrier into the medical tent and collapsed in a stretcher. With only a couple of holes in me, I managed to escape from the nearby hospital with just stitches.
Since that year, it’s been somewhat of a natural cycle for me, I finish my winter in May and jump on the bike almost every day until the races start in June. I race for two or three of the World Cups, then hang the bike and dive back into the Southern Hemisphere winter. It’s hard on the body coming out of a winter and getting straight into training on the bike, you have to be prepared to suffer at times. I found out the hard way that first year that I needed to give myself at least three weeks on the bike to get comfortable, strong and fit enough before bringing on any speed.
This year was my best one yet, I had five weeks to prepare for Leogang, then gaps in between the next races where I could ride while filming for my new project.”
As Craig wraps up another whirlwind season on two wheels,
his unique approach to training is clearly paying off. By turning what could have been downtime into adventure, he’s found the perfect balance between the two sports he loves. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he says, “I get to keep pushing my limits, stay in peak shape and have a blast doing it.”
Looking ahead,
Craig is more motivated than ever. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me,” he adds with a grin, “I still have so much to learn on the bike”.
For Craig Murray, life isn’t about sticking to one path—it’s about embracing the thrill of the ride, wherever it leads. Whether he’s carving down snowy peaks or bombing down forest trails, he’s all in. Because for Craig, every day is a holiday with a purpose, and every adventure is another opportunity to challenge himself and grow.
Keep Up with Craig Murray through his social media HERE
