Lake Taupo Challenge casualty of pandemic uncertainties

CYCLING

TAUPO: New Zealand's largest cycle race has been called off because of the uncertainty amid the Covid19 pandemic.

The Lake Taupo Challenge, planned for November 14, has been pushed back 12 months to November 27, 2021.

Organisers said with just under eight weeks until the challenge, and with the continued uncertainty over what the coming weeks may hold for mass participation events, they believed it was the right decision to make.

Because competitors would be coming from all over New Zealand, the whole country would need to be in Alert Level 1 and that could not be guaranteed.

The event, which has been run for 43 years, attracts more than 5000 entries with the majority competing in the 160km ride around Lake Taupo.

Event director Debbie Chambers said that while organisers were disappointed, they were confident their sport was gaining popularity despite the pandemic.

``We have seen an increase in the numbers of cyclists getting out on their bikes recently and have confidence that this event will come back bigger and better than ever in 2021.''

Trust chairwoman Kay Brake said they had to keep in mind that health and safety was paramount.

``We had to aim for the best possible outcome for our participants, volunteers, staff, sponsors, suppliers and stakeholders.

‘‘Making this decision now gives certainty and means we are in a position to offer the best solution to our entrants this year and to roll out a quality event experience next year.''

In 2017, the notforprofit event was estimated to inject $7 million into the Taupo economy. — RNZ