Options Galore at NZ’s Biggest Cycling Occasion

MEDIA RELEASE

Options Galore at New Zealand’s Biggest Cycling Occasion

Today the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge announced an additional three new categories to an already packed stable of cycling options for the 29 November event.

Responding to feedback from participants, the event organisers have created a 73km road course, called Half the Lake. This mid length category caters for solo riders who might not be quite up to the full lake distance and gives the chance to ride the half distance along with a team mate. Their bikes will be transported for them to ride the second half of the 160km route.

The new Time Trial event takes cycling Taupo to an entirely novel venue more used to a petrol rush than pedal power. Held at the Taupo Motorsport Park, riders will complete eight laps on this exciting track.

“We’re holding this event on Friday afternoon before Cycle Challenge day,” says Event Director Kay Brake. “We think it’s the perfect warm up for the big ride on Saturday.”

Third in the newbies is the Urban Jungle MTB Challenge which gives riders a chance to display their mountain biking skills on ramps and jumps. Fast and furious is how the organisers see this elimination style event, and with the set up in the heart of town, there’s bound to be a whole bunch of captivated spectators.

“Cycle Challenge is in its 38th year and we’re really mindful of the need to refresh what’s on offer to people as well as to listen and respond to suggestions and feedback,” says Kay.

Earlier this year a new middle distance 60km mountain bike, the Contact Steamer, was launched.

“Riding New Zealand’s benchmark cycling event kicks off with a single turn of a pedal,” says Kay.

“Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a mountain bike enthusiast, an elite or enduro, cycle the café circuit with your mates, looking for some family fun, or a weekend away with the girls, there’s a ride for you.”

“It’s a challenge but it’s achievable and you’ll definitely find something that suits your cycling style best! “

People wanting to know more are welcome to register for the Orientation weekend, held in Taupo on the 9th and 10th of August. Nutrition, bike maintenance, training and familiarisation of what to expect on event weekend are all covered.

Check out all categories, like our Facebook page and enter on line at www.cyclechallenge.com.

Ends

ABOUT CONTACT LAKE TAUPO CYCLE CHALLENGE

The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is NZ’s largest cycling event. More than 8,000 riders from New Zealand and 20 countries across the globe take part each year.

The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is best known for its 160-km Bike Barn Solo, the one-lap circumnavigation of Lake Taupo, although this is just one of 18 categories on offer, with both road cycling and mountain bike options for individuals and teams, catering to all levels of cycling and fitness abilities.

www.cyclechallenge.com

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