For some keen cyclists, training is well underway for the 34th Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, and with 1280kms in their sights, they'll need it.
By popular demand from the regular endurance riders, Cycle Challenge organisers have introduced an Extreme Enduro event which comprises of 1280kms, or 8 laps of Lake Taupo, the equivalent distance of riding from Taupo to Invercargill.
"Last year we had almost 100 riders enter the Enduro (320km) and the Maxi Enduro (640km) events – they battled the elements and rode through the night complete these remarkable feats," said Lynley McCaughan, Manager of the Endurance events, which were added to the Cycle Challenge stable of events in 1995.
"We last held an Extreme Enduro event in 2000 when 14 riders participated in a 1000km event- this year we are hoping for 20 riders from around the world and we have already had interest from Australia, the United Kingdom and an enquiry from an ex-pat Kiwi woman living in America who plans to travel over for it,"
"Colin Anderson is one of the Enduro stalwarts of our event, having completed 47 laps of the Lake – he has led the charge for this event," said Ms McCaughan.
There are twelve different events that comprise the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and endurance riders form a very special part of it – they are distinctive in their fluorescent overcaps and are well supported by other riders and the crowds as they ride around the lake.
The Extreme Enduro will start at 2pm on Wednesday 24th November with riders expected to finish in time for the event's prizegiving on Saturday 27th November where they could win a range of fantastic prizes as part of the Cycle Challenge.
"Safety is of utmost concern to us during this event and we are currently investigating the possibility of providing all Extreme Enduro riders with a special GPS tracking system which will allow us to monitor their progress over the four days."
Meanwhile, planning for Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, New Zealand's premiere one day cycling event, is well underway with entries expected to open on July 1
"We pride ourselves on being able to cater for many different sorts of riders, from children in the 5km event; elite racers; recreational riders tackling 160km solo or 40kms as part of a relay and mountain bikers – we are delighted to provide this challenge for endurance riders," said Doug Simmons, Chairman of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Trust.
"Once again, we are expecting over 10,000 riders, and like all events of this size, we are working hard to ensure we can provide a safe and value-for-money event for all entrants this year.
"We will have announcements in the coming weeks about new events, sponsors and will also confirm the fantastic range of prizes up for grabs," said Mr Simmons.
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is owned and operated by the Rotary Club of Taupo Moana and returns its proceeds to the local community.
The 2010 Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will take place on 27th November – online entries will open on July 1 at www.cyclechallenge.com.
