CYCLING

Action Packed Weekend Ahead at this years Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

By Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

Organisers of the annual Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge are promising an action packed weekend of cycling and everything to do with cycling at the end of November.

Celebrating its 39th anniversary, New Zealand’s largest cycling event are going all out to give riders and their supporters a fantastic experience, with a weekend full of fun, camaraderie and entertainment.

It all kicks off on Friday the 27th of November when the estimated 8,000 riders pour through event registration, and then onto New Zealand’s largest cycling expo showcasing a range of 2016 model bikes as well as the latest products on the market to keep your bike and body humming at full speed.

The streets of Taupo’s CBD then come alive early Friday evening with new Celebrity Criterium where some well-known kiwi faces will take each other on for a few laps of fun in the centre of Taupo’s CBD. This sets the scene for some great spectator action as the Criterium moves into serious race mode, with races for both men and women elite riders, as well as the ever popular challenge between Army, Navy and Air Force in the NZ Defence Forces race.


Photo courtesy of Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge

Moving into event day proper on Saturday 28 November, as well as riders experiencing the best one day cycle event in the country, (recently awarded Best NZ Owned Major Event), they’ll be egged on with entertainment on course including live bands and even the odd bag piper. Riders will also be able to take a break and enjoy a complimentary coffee and snack at one of the Holden Pit Stops dotted around the world renowned Lake Taupo course.

Around 11,000 supporters also descend on Taupo on event weekend, and they’ll be well looked after while they await their rider at the finish line with the Event Village humming to live music, and heaps of activities to keep the kids - and adults - entertained all afternoon, as well as chances to win great prizes at some of the Event Village stalls. And to cap it all off, 20,000 people are expected at the events main prize giving on Saturday evening, where one lucky rider will drive away in a brand new Holden Trax LTZ car, valued at over $36,000.

Early Bird entry prices for this year’s event are available up until midnight on Saturday 31 October, and with 18 different event categories on offer - both on and off road - the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a great way to dust off the winter cobwebs and get the fitness regime back in place for the upcoming summer.

All event category options for the 28 November event, along with online entries, can be accessed through www.cyclechallenge.com