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Movember bike race hits Christchurch again

Friday 30 November 2018, 9:29AM

By enthuse

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; Riders get underway in the inaugural Urology Associates Car Park Cannon Ball event that attracted almost 2000 spectators in November last year that is on again on tomorrow.
; Riders get underway in the inaugural Urology Associates Car Park Cannon Ball event that attracted almost 2000 spectators in November last year that is on again on tomorrow. Credit: Wayne Fisk

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR MEN’S HEALTH
A central Christchurch car park building is set to come alive again with cyclists racing each other up its eights floor to a party on the roof in an effort to raise awareness and funds for men’s health and Movember.

Held for the first time last year the unique inner city urban event features 100 cyclists competing in a series of rapid fire head to head races riding up through a wall of sound provided by several thousand spectators fuelled by a DJ and festival atmosphere. 

“It’s the only southern hemisphere event in a global series so it’s great to have it here in Christchurch,” event organiser John McKenzie from enthuse media & events said.

“It’s just such a unique urban event and is so good for the central city; you get amazing views from the top floor of the the SALT District Carpark. It’s a men’s health Movember fund raiser so we hope to raise awareness about men’s health issues and raise a good amount of money for Movember.”  

The event beat international rugby, rugby league and hockey events to win the Nexia New Zealand Sports Event of the Year at the 2018 Canterbury Sports Awards in March, and it’s on again in Christchurch on tomorrow.

“I’m pretty passionate about men’s health as my dad had prostate cancer and we lost a well-known and respected member of our cycling community last year to cancer,” McKenzie said. “Men’s health is in crisis and the Movember campaign we support is all about tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.”

The event has five categories, fixed gear and geared bikes in female and male grades and a new masters over 45 men’s grade. It is held in the newly renamed SALT District Carpark, which was the Innovation Car Park, rebranded as its sits within the SALT District.

“The event also features food stalls, Marlborough wines, a Dutch craft beer aBLOC, available in New Zealand only on race day and a kid’s zone with well-known children’s entertainer Silly Billy and face painting,” McKenzie said. 

“You don’t have to be a cycling fan to enjoy the day; it’s going to be a fun and exciting atmosphere that has wide ranging appeal as a real spectacle.”

The event opens at 12 noon on Saturday with racing starting in the SALT District Carpark next to Lichfield Courtyard at 12.30pm.

Patrick Fontein of Studio D4 who developed and owns the car park building said the company was proud to support such an innovative event that was great for the central city. “We were quick to get behind the event last year as not only does it support a great cause but it also activates a central city space that attracts people and profile and showcases the new and exciting inner city that is coming on line.”

Wilson Parking are also supporting the event with discounted parking at their three closest car parks to the Innovation Car Park and are donating one dollar in every five dollars spent on Saturday in the three car parks to Movember.

“Wilson Parking is absolutely behind promoting men’s health and we’re pleased to be able to support this event and Movember,” Wilson Parking’s Southern Regional Manager Pete Turner said.