Cycling extravaganza draws thousands

Thousands of cyclists will start their descent on the central North Island today for this weekend's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

From humble beginnings when 26 people rode the 160km circuit around the lake in 1977, the event has now established itself as the nation's biggest one-day cycling event with 11,000 people already registered this year.

Challenge spokeswoman Clare Ponton said the entry of 5717 solo riders and 360 competitors from 18 different countries was the most in either category in the event's 33-year history.

And organisers are expecting still more people to enter any of the event's 12 different categories - which could make this year's race the biggest in terms of participants.

"If anyone is thinking of coming down we have some superstars here from the world of cycling," said Ms Ponton. "It's a great chance to have a beautiful ride around the lake and see some of the very best cyclists."

The Mayor of Taupo, Rick Cooper, said the cycle challenge, which pumps about $8 million into the local economy, was an "iconic" New Zealand event - although he has never completed it himself.

He will get his chance on Saturday when he will be joined by Otorohanga Mayor Dale Williams and Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy in the Linfox Relay, which divides the circumnavigation of the lake into 40km legs.

Ms Ponton said an elite field of about 70 would compete in the Avanti Classic 160km race, in which Jeremy Yates and former winner Gordon McCauley are expected to dominate.

Dual Olympic medallist and hometown favourite Bevan Docherty will also be in the field before he leads a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest parade of bikes on Sunday morning.

Also likely to feature is four-time Tour de France finisher and dual New Zealand road race champion Julian Dean, who will compete in tomorrow night's elite street race.

In the women's street race, 2009 track cycling world champion Alison Shanks will compete against the likes of Cath Cheatley, who has just completed a successful racing stint in the United States.