Cycling event provides more challenges

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which is in its 38th year, is mindful of the need to refresh what's on offer.

There are now three new categories to contemplate for this year's Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Organisers announced the additional events for the November 29 event this week and said they were responding to feedback from participants.

A new 73km road course, called Half the Lake, is a mid-length category which caters for solo riders who might not be up to the full lake distance and gives the chance to ride the half distance with a teammate. The new timetrial event takes cycling Taupo to an entirely novel venue more used to a petrol rush than pedal power.

Held at Taupo Motorsport Park, riders will complete eight laps on the exciting track.

Event director Kay Brake said the third event was the Urban Jungle MTB Challenge which gives riders a chance to display their mountain biking skills on ramps and jumps. The elimination-style event will be set up in the heart of Taupo.

"Cycle Challenge is in its 38th year and we're really mindful of the need to refresh what's on offer to people as well as to listen and respond to suggestions and feedback," Mrs Brake said.

Earlier this year a new middle distance event, the Contact Steamer, was launched.

"Whether you're a weekend warrior, a mountain bike enthusiast ... looking for some family fun, or a weekend away with the girls, there's a ride for you," she said.

An orientation weekend will be held in Taupo on August 9 and 10. Nutrition, bike maintenance and training will all be covered.

For more information visit the event's Facebook page or go to www.cyclechallenge.com.