35th Cycle Challenge Only Two Weeks Away

The 35th annual Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is just around the corner and everything is on track for another great Taupo event on Saturday 26th November. 

International Triathlete Bevan Docherty and Elite NZ cyclist Gordon McCauley have confirmed they will be entering the Classic Men’s Road Race and top NZ Mountain Biker Mark Leishman has entered the Contact Huka Challenge XL again.  Other elite athletes are expected to enter in the week leading up to the event.  Celebrity Mary Lambie will be ‘Facing the Challenge’ again in 2011 and local Taupo man and ex All Black Frano Botica is entering for the first time this year. 

Online entries are still available at www.cyclechallenge.com up until the week before Cycle Challenge and late entries will be available at registration on Friday 25 November. 

Newly appointed Event Director Kay Brake says there are some exciting new initiatives for the 2011 event that entrants will appreciate.  “We have a slightly new course, some spectacular spot prizes worth over $200,000 including the SsangYong ‘Win Me’ car and ‘Wheels of Fortune’ – those that are thinking about it, should enter now to be in to win!”

Those that enter in 2011, 2012 and 2013 (all three events) will go in the draw to win the ‘Wheels of Fortune’ pot of gold estimated to be around $25k.  The lucky winner will be drawn at the 2013 prize giving (excludes @Heart Riders).

Mrs Brake also reminded riders not to miss out on the FREE Bike and Helmet check on offer for Cycle Challenge entrants, provided by sponsor AvantiPlus.  “Safety is our number one priority and we encourage all of our riders to pop into their nearest AvantiPlus Store for a bike and helmet check – just print and take in a copy of entry confirmation.”

Also happening this year for the first time is the Great Race Taupo being introduced by Cycle Challenge Charity @Heart in conjunction with TownCentre Taupo.   Designed as both a fundraiser for @Heart and some entertainment for those waiting for friends and loved ones to return from cycling around the Lake, Great Race Taupo is open to all ages, and a fun way for families and friends to spend a day together exploring the wonderful food, retail stores, and scenery that Taupo has to offer.

Participants will form teams, register, and be given a list of tasks to complete with the winning team announced at Cycle Challenge prize giving.  Registration for Great Race Taupo will be open at the @Heart marquee outside the Great Lake Centre on Friday 25th and Saturday 26 November.   The Great Lake Race kicks off at 9am on the 26th and closes at 3pm.