Over 25,000 visitors in Taupō for cycling challenge

The Contact Energy Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge was held in the weekend bringing 25,000 visitors to the Taupō district.

The 34th annual Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge had over 10,000 entries and brought an estimated 25,000 visitors to the Taupō district.  The iconic event is one of only 7 world ranked UCI events and is the largest bike relay event in the world.

Rob McKnight Event Director for the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge says it is one of the largest events of its kind in Australasia and a key event for Taupō’s events calender.  “The Contact Energy Cycle Challenge is a huge event for Taupō – the numbers keep growing every year with national and international athletes competing and it showcases Taupō to the world.”

Council’s Event Manager Warwick Halls says the Cycle Challenge is one of many international class events that Taupō hosts and is another example of why we are the natural choice to be the home of the NZ Cycling Centre of Excellence.  “We have already achieved a global award being named as one of the four pre-eminent Event Capitals in the world, alongside Sydney, Edinburgh and Rotterdam and we believe we already are the unofficial cycling centre of New Zealand – let’s make it official.”  

During the Cycle Challenge, three large boards were on display for people to write on what they love about cycling in Taupō.  There was no shortage of reasons why people love cycling in Taupō - everything from the mountain and lake views, the mountain bike tracks, the volunteers and even the men in lycra was posted on the boards. 

Director of BikeFest Councillor Keith Crate said it is great to see people of all ages and walks of life taking part in Cycle Challenge and BikeFest activities, from flying through the air to riding on one wheel.  “Cycling is booming in Taupō and is a fabulous sport for everyone.  Our philosophy is if we are successful with our bid to be the home of the NZ Cycling Centre of Excellence, everyone in the community will be able to make use of the multi-purpose velodrome – learners, intermediate and professional riders as well as other sports codes.”