Help for New Cyclists to Face the Challenge

For the second year, the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will be providing beginner cyclists with a unique programme designed to help them face the challenge of the iconic November 27 cycling event.

The RaboDirect Trainer Wheels programme is designed to give new cyclists the tools, motivation and information they require to ride as part of the Linfox Relay (40km, 80km or 120km) or tackle the solo 160km ride.

“RaboDirect, as principal sponsorship partner of BikeNZ, is really pleased to be involved with the 2010 Trainer Wheels programme. The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is a fantastic event and for ‘first-timers’, the RaboDirect Trainer Wheels is a great way to get some expert insight into the big event,” said Mike Heath, General Manager of RadoDirect.

It costs a nominal $10 to enter the programme and all registered Trainer Wheels riders receive a training pack which includes a high visibility training vest, a training programme, a series of informative and motivational emails, on-going support and tips through the Bike NZ RideStrong programme, and the opportunity to attend two Trainer Wheels weekend clinics in Taupo.

“The weekend clinics will take place on September 18th and 19th and October 9th and 10th – each weekend will involve workshop sessions and training rides catering for different levels of cyclists under the helpful guidance of cycling mentors,” said Keith Crate, RaboDirect Trainer Wheels manager.

Participants will gain valuable experience on Taupo roads and plenty of free training information. The Cycle Challenge organisers will also be sending informative and motivational emails in the build up to November 27.

“You truly can be a beginner cyclist and participate in our event – you don’t need any special equipment, just a helmet, safe bike and the determination to finish,” he continued.

“Last year’s programme was an outstanding success and we look forward to helping more enthusiastic beginner cyclists.

“This is the 34th Cycle Challenge and we want to use our experience to help new entrants to achieve their goals,” said Crate.

To register for Trainer Wheels, go to www.cyclechallenge.com and click on the ‘1st Time’ button.


Entry prices for 2010 Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
• Solo - $95 before October 1; $96 after October 1
• Tandem – $95 before October 1; $96 after October 1
• Linfox Tarmac Relay – $97 per team member before October 1; $99 after October 1
• Enduro - $95 before October 1; $96 after October 1
• Maxi Enduro - $95 before October 1; $96 after October 1
• Extreme Enduro - $95 before October 1; $96 after October 1
• Contact Huka Solo Challenge - $95 before October 1: $96 after October 1
• Contact Huka Relay - $85 before October 1; $87 after October 1
• Contact Huka XL Race – $100 before October 1; $103 after October 1
• Avanti Men’s Classic Race - $100 before October 1; $103 after October 1
• Workout Zone Women’s Road Race – $85 before October 1; $87 after October 1
• Heart Children NZ Heart Ride – $21 before October 1: $22 after October 1

A $20 entry fee discount is offered to all riders aged under 18 years, except in the Heart Rider and Race categories.