Organisers postpone Lake Taupo¯ cycle event
New Zealand’s largest cycling event is the latest casualty of Covid-19 event uncertainty.
Five weeks out from the 44th BDO Lake Taupo¯ Cycle Challenge, organisers have reluctantly postponed it until February 19, 2022.
Around 5000 riders, 7500 supporters and spectators, and over 800 personnel and volunteers attend the annual event.
In a statement, event organisers said the decision was not made lightly.
‘‘With [the number of people set to attend] in mind, the decision has been reached with everyone’s health and wellbeing at the forefront, along with the current uncertainty around the ability to host large scale events and engage in nationwide travel in the immediate future,’’ it said.
‘‘After much careful consideration we have concluded that hosting a February event is in the best interests of our cycling community given the challenging and uncertain environment facing the event industry in the near term.
‘‘It also provides everyone with some certainty and clarity to be able to rearrange accommodation and travel plans, revise training regimes and to be ready to ride again this summer.
‘‘We also believe that by moving the date out by three months, we should all have more certainty in relation to Covid-19 with respect to gathering sizes, alert levels, border restrictions and vaccinations, and what they mean in order to be able to run and deliver a large scale event of our nature.’’
The statement said although organisers understand a change of date may not be ideal for some, refunds won’t be issued.
‘‘For all those already entered, you are automatically transferred to the February 19, 2022 date,’’ it said.
‘‘The event is owned by a charitable trust and we are committed to honouring our commitments to the community we support.
‘‘Given the significant non-recoupable costs that the event has incurred over the past 18 months, no refunds or transfers to future event dates are available, however, if you are unable to make the postponement date you will be able to transfer your entry to another rider at no charge right up until January 31, 2022.’’
Those not already entered were also encouraged to do so.
‘‘We’d love to have your support to help keep both us and the events industry alive and kicking by making the commitment to enter one of our many event categories on offer,’’ it said.
‘‘Help celebrate this special occasion on the events calendar in February.’’