Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge entries to open next week

New Zealand's largest cycling event will welcome around 6,000 riders to Taupo. Photo/File

The countdown is on with entries for Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge set to open next week.

Taupo will welcome around 6000 riders and more than 10,000 supporters on Saturday November 25.

Entries for the event open on June 1.

The event offers a wide variety of options to get on your bike and be part of the annual pilgrimage to one of New Zealand's longest and most established events, this year celebrating its 41st running.

There are 14 different event categories on offer ranging from the iconic 160km Bike Barn Round The Lake, the 80km Half the Lake, the shorter 40km bookabach Quarter Lake introduced in 2016, as well as 35km, 60km and 85km mountain bike options.

Combine this with the 5km Kids Heart ride, and the 16km Lakesider for the recreational cyclist, and there is something on offer for everyone. To further enable riders of all types to experience the occasion there is a 10 per cent entry discount on offer for families and groups of 10 or more.

Event dorector Aaron Carter said with a desire to enable all people to do the event, in addition to the variety of ride options and incentives, they were also embracing the new e-bike phenomenon.

"Riders will be able to choose to use their e-bike in a number of categories including the Lakesider, bookabach Quarter Lake, Half the Lake, Bike Barn Round The Lake and the 35km Huka Teaser."

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge event and entry information can be found at www.cyclechallenge.com.