Lake Taupō Cycle entries open Friday

The BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge team Amy Crawford (left), Jules Harvey, Hayden Dickason, Nick Reader and Debbie Chambers. Photo / Supplied

The countdown to this year's BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is on with early bird entries open tomorrow.Arguably one of the country's largest sports participation events is expected to again attract about 6000 riders and more than 9000 supporters to the Taupō region on Saturday, November 24.

With a philosophy of inclusion, the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge offers a wide variety of options to get on a bike and this year celebrates its 42nd running.

There are 14 event categories ranging from the 160km Bike Barn Round The Lake, 80km Half the Lake, shorter 40km Quarter Lake, as well as 35km, 60km and 85km BDO Huka mountain bike options.

There is also the 5km Kids Heart Ride and 16km Lakesider for the recreational cyclist.

The event's 2018 team of organisers has also been announced.

Event director Debbie Chambers is responsible for the overall strategic direction for the event moving forward and said: "I'm excited by the challenge ahead and I'm looking forward to driving innovation and making improvements on an already iconic event."

Media and partnerships manager Hayden Dickason is responsible for all marketing and PR associated with the event and for bringing on board and managing relationships between the BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and its family of event partners.

Services manager Amy Crawford is the main contact for participants. She is there to make sure the registration process is as seamless as possible and also works alongside Ultimo, the event's merchandise suppliers to ensure riders look smart in their BDO Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge kit.

Operations manager Jules Harvey's area of focus is to ensure all participants have fun and to create atmosphere around the course and at the start points. She also has a passion for sustainability so looks forward to seeing some "pretty cool" initiatives for riders and supporters in 2018.

Nick Reader is the course manager. He is responsible primarily for safety and hydration out on course. He is the king of spreadsheets and safety plans so rest assured he is doing everything he can to ensure rider safety out on course.

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