Mayoral Challenge Huge Success

Keen cyclists, children on trikes and BMX enthusiasts turned out in their hundreds for Tuesday night’s Mayoral Challenge, wowing organisers and putting Franklin District square in the running for the title of “Cycle Mad District.”


Competing against almost 40 Districts and Cities around New Zealand, including other Auckland region councils Papakura and Rodney, more than 600 people attended to cycle with Mayor Mark Ball around the Pukekohe Park Raceway. Participants only had to cycle once around the track for Franklin to qualify, however everyone was having so much fun people went around several times.


The variety of people who attended showed that an interest in cycling, and supporting Franklin events, is alive and well in Franklin. Whole families came down with a bicycle each and a variety of local cycling and BMX clubs also attended.


“There has been amazing support from the community for the Mayoral Challenge – thank you to everyone who was involved in planning the day, volunteers on the night and all those who came to be part of it. I’m proud to be your Mayor,” says Mayor Mark Ball.


Final tallies will be sent back to Land Transport New Zealand who will announce the Mayoral Challenge winner. The draw for the free Avanti Bike will occur today and the winner will be announced shortly.