Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2016: The Countdown Is On

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 2016: The Countdown Is On

The Countdown Is On

In just over a weeks’ time, thousands of lycra-clad kiwis, and cyclists from more than 20 countries around the world will descend on the idyllic central North Island town of Taupo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of NZ’s largest cycling event.

Back in 1977, event patron Walter De Bont (who sadly passed away late last month) had a vision to get 25 other riders together and cycle around Lake Taupo to raise funds for what was then the IHC charity.

From these humble beginnings, organisers of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge are this year expecting around 7,000 riders and another 11-12,000 supporters and spectators to be in Taupo for the town’s largest annual event. With a permanent population of around 22,000, the town nearly doubles in size over event weekend.

Celebration will be the order of the weekend with entertainment galore on offer outside the events on bike category options. Aussie cycling legend Robbie McEwen will be in attendance to share some of his experiences from his pro riding days, and the Taupo Museum are hosting an exhibition showcasing the 40 year history of the event. There’s the spectacle of the Friday night criterium races arounds the streets of Taupo’ s CBD, and on Saturday there’ll be plenty of things to do in the Event Village with kids activities, give-it-a-go displays from event partners, while The Beat Girls will punch out hits from the last four decades in the lead up to the events main prize giving ceremony where one lucky rider will be driving home in a brand new Holden Trax LTZ car.

With a philosophy of inclusion, and a vision to provide a platform for healthy outdoor activity for the whole family, Event Director, Aaron Carter comments “While we’re ticking ever closer to event day, there’s still plenty of time to enter one of the 14 on or off-road event categories. This year’s introduction of a shorter course 40km Quarter Lake road option to accompany our iconic 160km Round the Lake and 80km Half The Lake has been really well received. We’re also seeing great growth in our mountain bike categories, along with the 16km recreational Lakesider and the 5km Kids Heart Ride for those 10 years and under”.

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge event and entry information can be found at:

www.cyclechallenge.com

ENDS

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