le race, new ownership same iconic course

Le Race, New Zealand’s own slice of a mountain stage of the Tour de France, is under new ownership but is still on the same iconic 100km course that makes it one the must do cycle events in New Zealand. .

The 100km of challenging hill climbs, fast flats and exhilarating downhills take cyclists from Christchurch, across an extinct volcano, to the French surrounds of Akaroa, is taking place for the eleventh time on 28 March 2009 and can be done as an individual or in teams of two or three.

New Owners Mainland Cycling, setup specifically to promote and encourage amateur cycling, have successfully developed and run the four year old Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling, and are excited about several new elements of this year’s Le Race that includes going green by having online entries.

“We are not having entry forms this year – we are saving trees, going green and directing people to the website to enter,” Race Director Simon Hollander said.

“It is such an iconic event and we are also very committed to it being good for Banks Peninsular and Akaroa.”

“We are working on a number of new initiatives to build on its past success. To say you have been part of Le Race is really special, and has a real sense of achievement – to have it on your sporting CV really means something, it really is a badge of honour,” he said.

Competitors can enter the event online at www.lerace.co.nz.