Volunteers Vital For Cycle Challenge

For immediate release
17 November 2009

Volunteers Vital For Cycle Challenge

Volunteers will once again be the driving force behind the 2009 Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge when an expected 10,000 cyclists converge on Taupo on November 28, 2009.

“Volunteers are at the heart of the Cycle Challenge and we are pleased to have Contact Energy on board as the sponsor of our volunteers,” said Event Director Keith Crate, a former volunteer, whose role has grown so substantially with the event that it is now a full-time rewarded position.

“This year Contact Energy will be providing all volunteers with caps and refreshments to thank them for their efforts,” said Crate.

Contact Energy sponsorship manager, Craig Griffiths said volunteers played a key role in making the Cycle Challenge such a safe, popular event.

“We want to say thanks to all those volunteers who contribute to making the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge such a great event and ensure the event is an enjoyable one for them too. Providing caps and refreshments is one way we can do that,” Griffiths said.

“Each year, the Cycle Challenge donates over $100,000 to volunteer and community organisations whose 1000 plus members donate their time to assist with the event – each volunteer also goes in the draw to win a fantastic prize,” said Crate

An example of a group that has benefited from Cycle Challenge is the Oruanui Church which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year - the contributions from Cycle Challenge have been the main source of funding for maintenance of the church over the last 15 years.

Community groups help with all aspects of the event including stuffing bags, loading bikes, marshalling, handing out drinks to riders and collecting drop bags at the Great Lake Centre.

“At the very core of Cycle Challenge is the Rotary Club of Taupo Moana which, with 33 members, owns and organises the event,” said Crate.

“The relationship between voluntary groups and events in Taupo is a win-win one - over $300,000 is provided to groups and schools for their invaluable and professional assistance with events,” said Warwick Hall, Manager Event Marketing for Destination Lake Taupo.

“These groups are the life blood of events in Taupo without whom we simply could not function; for the groups, it is a guaranteed source of funding without which some would not achieve their goals or projects.

“They often comment that events are a whole lot more fun than sizzling sausages every Saturday morning!” said Hall.

Entry prices for 2009 Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
• BNZ Solo - $90
• BNZ Tandem – $180
• BNZ Solo Combo – $90
• Linfox Tarmac Relay – $95 per team member
• Linfox Dirt & Tarmac Relay – $40 MTB rider and $95 per tarmac team member
• Enduro - $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
• Maxi Enduro - $90
• Contact Huka Mountain Bike Challenge- $90
• Contact Huka XL Race – $100
• Avanti Men’s Classic Race - $100
• Workout Zone Women’s Road Race– $75
• Heart Children NZ Heart Ride – $20

Riders aged 18 and under receive a $20 discount excluding the Heart Children New Zealand Ride, Contact Huka XL Race, Avanti Men’s Classic Race, Workout Zone Women’s Road Race and the dirt relay rider.

More information about Cycle Challenge including training programmes, accommodation and entry fees is available at www.cyclechallenge.com

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