Cyclists race on the expressway

FAST FORWARD: B grade cyclists cycle on the expressway.

Over 200 cyclists took part in a one-off opportunity to race on part of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway.

The Kapiti Cycling Club organised event, held on Saturday morning, and separate from the Kapiti Coast ExpressDay, featured an 8.4km circuit, starting by the Kapiti Rd overbridge in Paraparaumu and heading south to Poplar Ave, Raumati South.

Cyclists could choose from five race categories: A grade which was seven laps totalling 58.8km, B grade which was six laps totalling 50.4km, C grade which was five laps totalling 42km, D grade which was four laps totalling 33.6km, and a two lap recreation race totalling 16.8km.

Kapiti Cycling Club president Adrian McKenzie said, "The people who took part loved being on the expressway.

"Everyone really enjoyed the surface.

"It was a fun fast course and they'll never get the chance to do it again.

"The whole event went off smoothly and there were no problems."

Mr McKenzie praised club members and others who helped organise the event at short notice.