More than 500 entries have been received, most from first time competitors, with just two weeks remaining before the cut off date for registration for the 2010 New World Tour de Wakatipu on Easter Saturday (April 3).
Race Director Geoff Hunt says there has obviously been huge "word of mouth" advertising for the mountain biking event which made its debut last year.
"By far the most entries so far have come from people who haven't done the race before which is great. But those who did race last year should ensure they get their entries in as soon as possible as entries close on March 28."
The Tour de Wakatipu was an outstanding success in its first year with 845 competitors taking the opportunity, to ride on an exclusive access track through Coneburn Station to Chard Farm, along the right bank of the Kawarau River.
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| Racing the Tour de Wakatipu (Photo: Southern Traverse) |
"This is the only time the track is open for public access and people raved about the scenery and the surrounding landscape. It is certainly very different and we are very fortunate that the landowner Steve Laing is prepared to open it up. We are also indebted to landowner Mike Mee for allowing us access through his private property."
The event begins at Millbrook Resort with cyclists heading down the "avenue of trees" behind a pace car, before riding through the western end of the resort to the Wakatipu Trails Trust track, which leads to Speargrass Flat Road and on to Slopehill Road. The competitors then move on to Lower Shotover Road to access a scenic single track alongside the Shotover River before crossing the restored Lower Shotover Bridge.
The course then follows a gravel road and 4WD track to the Shotover delta, before joining the Kawarau River track and crossing the Kawarau River bridge, at the exit point of Lake Wakatipu. A one kilometre highway section accesses the private Kawarau River road on Coneburn Station leading to the finish line at Chard Farm.
Hunt says the ride is geared for both expert and recreational riders and is designed to suit all levels. The Recreational division course is 36km from Millbrook Resort to Chard Farm while the Elite and Sport competitors take on a 45km challenge which includes a loop of the Lake Hayes track. Age group categories include Open, Veteran, and Master along with Junior and Master Plus sections.
Last year's elite winner Mark Williams (Queenstown) won the event in 1hr 36.21 and predicted the event would become huge in the future. "It was great to ride trails we haven't been on before and the single tracks as well as the Coneburn Station trail were fantastic."
Hunt says parts of the track are being upgraded particularly to allow for passing on some narrow sections.
"Overall though the course is in very good shape."
Tour de Wakatipu will have its own timing system in operation this year which is expected to provide 100% accurate timing for all competitors.
Volunteers from various clubs and sports groups, including Queenstown Year 10 netballers will act as marshalls and raise funds for their organisations.
"We are also again donating $5 from each entry to Cure Kids and some proceeds from liquor sales at Chard Farm will go towards the Wakatipu Trails Trust."
Hunt says a mini wine and food festival is planned at the finish line.
"There will be food stalls and entertainment and if last year is anything to go by this will be the highlight of the day. Everyone kicks back and enjoys the atmosphere and camaraderie."
