Injuries dog Taupo cycle race

Thirty cyclists were injured yesterday in the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge after wet weather wreaked havoc on the event.

A 44-year-old Auckland man broke his pelvis when several cyclists crashed about 11am. He was flown to Waikato Hospital.

St John Taupo Area Controller Graeme Harvey said ambulance staff were busy from the start of the race. They transported about 30 cyclists with injuries that included fractured arms and collarbones, concussion and hypothermia.

The challenge, which attracted more than 11,400 cyclists, is New Zealand's largest cycle event. It covers a course on 160km of sealed road around Taupo.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY