Cycle race will be a challenge for all levels

This weekend’s Manawatu Cycle Challenge will suit those out for a gruelling day on the bike and those after something more leisurely.

The cycle race and recreational ride at Ashhurst is back on Sunday for its third year since it took over from the Manawatu County Road, and organiser Ross Castle wants to keep growing it.

The main race is the 144km from Ashhurst, to Cheltenham, Kimbolton, Rangiwahia and back to Ashhurst via Pohangina Valley, which has tough riding around Apiti and Kimbolton.

There is also a 104km ride, which turns off at Apiti instead of going to Rangiwahia, and then two recreation options of 37km and 72km, which is either one or two laps of Valley Rd.

There are charity 5km and 10km rides along the Manawatu River Pathway, which Rotary have promoted in schools and Castle wasn’t sure how many that would get.

There are more than 100 entries at the moment, but Castle was hoping to at least double those numbers by Sunday morning.

They had close to 150 riders last year.

Manawatu’s Team Bikebox Rentals are entered, and a couple of young Manawatu riders like Campbell Stewart, Alex West and Chris Denholm might be riding.

The event is run on a shoestring budget of under $5000, but Castle has had a group of new sponsors come on board this year, including the army, who are helping out with volunteer work.

There is prizegiving, showers and a meal for riders at Ashhurst Domain afterwards.