Bike challenge issued to locals
With entries to New Zealand’s largest cycling event just days away, hopes are high more locals will get on the bike and take part in this year’s Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
The countdown is now on, with entries for this year’s Cycle Challenge opening on June 1.
Plenty of locals volunteer for the event - about 800 mark - but event director Aaron Carter, said they would like to see the same number of locals actually taking part in the race.
‘‘We couldn’t run the event without our volunteers but we haven’t got anywhere that sort of number taking part in the challenge,’’ he said.
There are currently only 300 on an annual basis and this year, the challenge team would like to see that number reach 500.
That’s where their two for one deal comes in.
‘‘For the months of June and July, any local who enters one of the 13 categories on offer will receive another entry to the same or lesser value absolutely free that’s effectively a 50% discount off each entry,’’ Carter said.
‘‘With June and July also being the months where early bird entry fees apply, it’s a double whammy savings opportunity for locals.’’
Carter added in addition to the invaluable year in year out contributions that the volunteer groups make to the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, it’d be awesome to see as many locals out riding as well.
‘‘With the event being locally owned and its core purpose being to benefit the community as a whole, we’re hopeful to see the ‘buy one get one free incentive’ well supported,’’ he said.
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is arguably one of the country’s largest sports participation events, and is again looking forward to welcoming around 6000 riders and over 10,000 supporters to the Taupo region on Saturday 25 November.
With a philosophy of inclusion, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge offers a wide variety of options to get you on your bike and be part of the annual pilgrimage to one of New Zealand’s longest and most established events, this year celebrating its 41st running.
There are 14 different event categories on offer .
Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge event and entry information can be found at www.cyclechallenge.com