Two Kiwi's Crowned World Champions

Two kiwi cyclists, Jim McMurray and Kim Hurst have been crowned this year’s UMCA (Ultra Marathon Cycling Association) 200 mile World Champions.

Riding in the Barfoot & Thompson Enduro – a two lap circumnavigation of Lake Taupo at the recent Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge - the event category was for the first time awarded UMCA world championship status.

Jim McMurray from Tirau completed the ride in 9:01:53, setting a new course record, with Kim Hurst from Upper Hutt coming in just over an hour behind in a time of 10:15:26.

The two set out with 94 other two lap enduro riders at 1.30am on Saturday the 30th of November and were greeted with a warm reception by spectators as they completed their ride later that morning.

Of their wins Jim says “This was my 6th enduro event at the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and about the 14th time I’ve done the event. I’ve done many different categories including twice on a tandem, the Contact Huka XL mountain bike race, the fun ride, and even the team relay. The fun and great spirit of the event keeps bringing me back. Having competed in five enduros before, I had a good understanding of what would or could unfold. Everything went pretty much went to plan. I had a good group of around 10 riders working together over the 1st lap, then a smaller group of 5 for about ½ the 2nd lap then just 2 of us for the last 60km.

Winning this year was extra special, making it 3 in a row for me, setting a new course record, and winning the world championship rainbow jersey, what more could you ask for ! ”

Kim was also excited by her World Championship win. “This year was my third racing at Taupo, and I've managed to tick off something different each time. In 2011, I was the fastest woman around the lake. In 2012, I grabbed fifth spot at the BodyFuel Criterium then followed up with a third in the Contact Huka XL mountain bike category behind Karen Hanlen and Annika Smail. This year, I opted for the 320km Barfoot & Thompson double lap Enduro. 320km is the furthest I'd ever raced my road bike. I grabbed the silver medal at the World 24 Hour Solo Champs in Canberra in October (clocking up 384km on dirt), so was keen to see what a longer road event was like.

The encouragement the Enduro riders get from the others out on the course is fantastic - something which makes being an Enduro rider a very special experience. I love the variety of events on offer at Taupo and plan to enjoy several more years taking on the different challenges”

Event Director Kay Brake says “The inclusion of a world championship race in this year’s event has added to our already well respected reputation on the worldwide stage, and we could not have asked for a better result with two kiwi’s, Jim and Kim, taking out the World Champion titles, congratulations to them both”.

Held on the last Saturday of every November around the shores of Lake Taupo, the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will celebrate its 38th anniversary on Saturday the 29th of November 2014.