Over 1100 enter inaugural ‘Around Brunner’ cycle race

Over eleven hundred lycra clad cycle enthusiasts are set to descend on Greymouth for Saturday’s inaugural ‘Around Brunner” race.

Race organizers were hopeful of 600 entries for this first event but have been ‘blown away’ by the response. “This is the largest number of entries for any inaugural cycle event in the country” said organizer Tim Scandrett from TPS event management. “It’s fantastic and reflects both the growth of cycling as a recreational sport and the West Coast as a popular destination for those taking part.” Entries close Midday Wednesday 18th April.

There are approximately 760 individual entries and 170 two person teams (including nine tandem teams) and 90% of the riders are from outside of the West Coast.

West Coast Development Trust chairman, Frank Dooley said the Trust’s involvement has already proved its worth with the large number of entries. “One of our priorities within our event strategy is to ensure economic benefit to the Coast. I am sure the local suppliers and operators will see a good upward blip in their cash registers this weekend.”

Over half of the entrants are in the 40-60 age group, with the bulk of cyclists coming from Canterbury. There are also entries from Southland, Otago, Fiordland, Wellington, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Northland. There is one overseas entry from Australia.

Safety remains the number one priority for race organizers, the most critical manoeuvre being the Taramakau Bridge. There will be delays on the bridge between the race start time of 8am and 9.30am as cyclists make there way out to Kumara Junction and the first half of the race. There will be a period of approximately 20 minutes during the earlier part of the morning when the bridge will be closed as the bulk of cyclists cross.

There are also five sets of railway lines to cross throughout the 130km journey and boards will be laid down to prevent wheels catching in the lines.

The start/finish line is at Boundary Street between Super Liquor and Smith’s City. This area will be closed to traffic all day while event activities are held and post race presentations made. Motorists turning onto and using Mawhera Quay should take extra care as this will be the home straight to the finish line for cyclists.

Each finisher will receive a can of Speight’s courtesy of Super Liquor and Speight’s brewery. At the finish there will be wine tasting from Forrest estate Wines, great coffee from Underground, whitebait fritters and other local treats. Everyone is encouraged to come down and participate in these activities.

Motorists travelling around the main road between Greymouth, Jacksons and Moana are asked to slow down and exercise caution around bends. Mawhera Quay as cyclists approach

ENDS

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