Entries are now open for the 2009 Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge with over 11,000 participants expected to participate in the iconic New Zealand event on November 28, 2009.
Participants from around New Zealand and the world are expected to travel to the central North Island town of Taupo to participate in the individual, team, road and off-road challenges which are based on a 160 kilometre circumnavigation of Lake Taupo.
“The Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge includes a challenging but achievable 160 kilometre ride, the Solo event, for individual riders – alternatively, teams of two, three or four can participate in the popular team event, the Linfox Tarmac Relay which is an achievable goal for new or less experienced riders,” said Doug Simmons, Chairman of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Trust, the organisation responsible for organising New Zealand’s premier cycling event which is also part of the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series.
“Keith Crate, who has been appointed as Event Director is part of the team organising this year’s event; we congratulate Keith whose efforts over the past 14 years as a volunteer director of Cycle Challenge and involvement in many other events in Taupo resulted in him being awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for his services to cycling,” said Simmons.
“The organising committee takes pride in our ability to provide a stress-free and enjoyable event for participants – relay riders are transported along with their bikes to and from the relay changeover points.”
After its popular debut last year, the Huka Challenge is back again – the 80km mountain bike ride takes in some of Taupo’s most famous mountain bike tracks including those not normally accessible to the public.
The Cycle Challenge is also offering a mountain bike/road challenge where a single rider does 20 kilometres off-road then 160 kilometres on-road around the lake. Relay riders can also opt to add a 20 kilometre off-road leg to the start of their relay.
In total there are 12 different events aimed at participants of varying abilities and fitness levels.
The Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge has launched a new initiative ‘Trainer Wheels’ aimed at helping beginner riders to participate in the Cycle Challenge, either as part of a relay team or as an individual in the 160km challenge.
All Trainer Wheels riders will receive a special ‘Riders Pack’ which will include basic hints on buying a bike, riding techniques, clothing, nutrition, safe riding, a beginners training programme and some fun items to keep them motivated in their training.
The Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will once again be complemented by a week of cycling-based activities called Cyclemania which includes another attempt at the Guinness World Record for the longest parade of bikes.
“As always, it’s a busy time of year in Taupo so we encourage participants to book their accommodation early – there is an excellent range of motels and backpackers in Taupo or the Cycle Challenge organisers are able to assist with access to private and holiday homes,” said Simmons.
Once again, Cycle Challenge will be raising money for Heart Children and participants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from family and friends with the aim of fundraising over $160,000, $1000 for each kilometre of the circumference of the lake.
“From its humble beginnings in 1977 with 26 participants, the event has grown significantly but still retains a unique community feeling – it is owned and organised by the Taupo Moana Rotary Club and involves 1000 local volunteers who provide much-needed support to the participants throughout the weekend.”
Entry prices for 2009 Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
- Solo - $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Tandem – $180
- Solo Combo – $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Linfox Tarmac Relay – $95 per team member ($75 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Linfox Dirt & Tarmac Relay – $40 MTB rider and $95 per tarmac team member ($75 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Enduro - $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Maxi Enduro - $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Huka Challenge- $90 ($70 for riders aged 18 and under)
- Huka XL Race – $100
- Avanti Men’s Classic Race - $100
- Workout Zone Women’s Road Race – $75
- Heart Children NZ Heart Ride – $20
More information about Cycle Challenge including training programmes, accommodation and entry fees is available at www.cyclechallenge.com
