‘World First’ NZ Cycle Race Attracts International Media

‘World First’ Down-Under Cycle Race Attracts International Media

International interest in a quirky Kiwi cycling event is hotting up, a month out from the start of this ‘world first.’

Cycling the length of New Zealand requires commitment; passion; attention to detail; careful preparation and the right equipment to complete the task. These are virtues Hirequip shares in how it operates its business and is proud to stand as supporter of the Tour of New Zealand cycle event.

We understand what is required to see a task through to its completion and with general hire branches throughout New Zealand as well as 5 Events specific branches we have the staff, experience and equipment to help you complete your task no matter how big or small.

The journey begins simultaneously in either Cape Reinga or Bluff at 8 am on Saturday April 14, finishing around 700 kms or eight days later at the Beehive in Wellington. That’s because cyclist teams or individuals can choose to begin at the top of the North Island or the bottom of the South Island, explain race founder/organisers Peter and Simon Yarrell.

Participants choose whether to speed or dawdle their way toward the middle of the country in stages, as serious racers or simply as tour adventurers checking out the diverse scenery on offer.

As you traverse the length of the country it will be a Hirequip team that will have helped build the start and finish lines; provided sanitation facilities; and other equipment to assist with the event. It is this kind of commitment and logistical support that has seen Hirequip grow its business in New Zealand and become a market leader in its field.

Participants choose whether to speed or dawdle their way toward the middle of the country in stages, as serious racers or simply as tour adventurers checking out the diverse scenery on offer. And you might want to keep an eye out for the bright orange Hirequip shirts during the tour as we have been known to ride our bikes from time to time. Come up and say Hello as we look forward to joining you in what should be a great fun event.

Peter, who dreamed up the tour idea, has been also running a successful ‘Queen Charlotte Classic’ multisport event for the past 18 years. He and son Simon, a former winner of Canterbury’s famous Coast-to-Coast race, are now encouraging people to sign up if only for just one leg of the cycle tour. “So far around 300 people have signed up for the tour. It’s not only about speed and competition. For some it will be, such as the Christchurch Boys’ High Team headed by professional mountain-cyclist Anton Cooper. But for some it’s about the challenge to complete even one day, one stage of the journey. It’s based on fun, fitness, and supporting community organisations,” Simon says.

In the planning for well over a year now, the Yarrells want the newly minted cycle tour to raise money for Kiwi cycle-ways via donations to the Hikurangi Foundation, as well as to support the Red Cross and St John. The latter two organisations had their coffers substantially emptied as a result of rescue efforts after Christchurch’s February 2011 earthquake.

“Because this tour has a charitable rather than a capitalist focus, we have received huge generosity from our corporate sponsors,” Peter says. “Now we’d love Kiwis to grab a bike and join the internationals in taking full advantage of seeing the countryside first hand. We all own the most amazing backdrop for cycling,” he adds.

Hirequip supports Peter and Simon Yarrell in their vision for creating the Tour and we wish all participants a fun and safe tour of our great country.

For further details visit www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz

ENDS

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