Milford Classic – bigger and better for 2013

 A bigger and better Distinction Hotels Milford Mountain Classic is on the cards for 2013 and organisers are urging cyclists of all abilities to sign up for what promises to be a challenging but rewarding event.

 The inaugural event, which sees cyclists ride through a World Heritage area from Milford Sound to Te Anau, was held in January and has since had praise heaped on it from competitors, sponsors and spectators.  

Entries for the 2013 Distinction Hotels Milford Mountain Classic, scheduled for Saturday January 26, are now open online at www.milfordclassic.co.nz and organisers are hoping to attract a mix of recreational and top riders.

Committee chairman Don McFarlane said some minor changes had been made as they looked to grow the event into a must-do on the road cycling calendar.

“While the feedback from this year’s competitors has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s always important to look at any improvements that could be made, so we’ve made some minor tweaks to ensure the race gets both bigger and better,” he said.

“We’ve changed the finish line so that riders will come in and finish on the lake front, outside Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas. We are looking into road closures and envisage a really good atmosphere at the finish line.”

The 65km Eglinton Challenge will start an hour earlier at 5pm and a cut-off time will be introduced, which will encourage all cyclists to be through Te Anau Downs by 9pm.

The event is co-ordinated by the Te Anau Community Events Charitable Trust and is supported by Fiordland College, Cycling Southland and Sport Southland.

The event has already attracted interest from cyclists from as far away as Australia.

Says McFarlane: “We really want the event to attract a good mix of recreational cyclists, who are out there challenging themselves with this race, and elite cyclists as well who are out there to win. We had a great mix this year, and next year we want the same – just bigger.

We were excited about the first event this year and now we know what we’re in for, we’re even more excited about the 2013 edition. We expect this race to just grow and grow.”

Sport Southland events manager Matt Sillars said he encouraged cyclists of any ability to support the iconic event.

“To have a race like this that is challenging, unique and spectacular in its surroundings, on your back door, that’s quite special,” he said.

“It is a tough ride, but this year’s event attracted cyclists of all levels and almost every one of them crossed that finish line with a smile on – most of them vowing to return and give it another go next year. It’s a race you’ll never forget.”

Entrants can opt for the 120km Distinction Hotels Milford Mountain Classic, from Milford to Te Anau, or the 65km Eglinton Challenge from Knobs Flat to Te Anau. Either distance option can be entered by individuals or two-person teams.

Early-bird pricing is available until July 31 at www.milfordclassic.co.nz.