New Zealand’s Iconic Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge has added Mountain Biking to the event in 2012

The annual 160km Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, NZ's largest cycling event, takes place on Saturday 24 November. The organisers are excited to introduce a new mountain bike category and tracks for this year's participants to enjoy. Construction is underway to rebuild 40 and 85km mou

New Zealand’s Iconic Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge has added Mountain Biking to the event in 2012

The annual 160km Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, NZ’s largest cycling event, takes place on Saturday 24 November. The organisers are excited to introduce a new mountain bike category and tracks for this year’s participants to enjoy. Construction is underway to rebuild 40 and 85km mountain bike tracks through the idyllic Wairakei Forest.

Riders getting ready to start

With a total of twelve event categories to choose from, including   both road and mountain bike disciplines, this iconic cycling spectacle will cater to all abilities, from elite athletes to non-competitive cyclists wanting to challenge themselves. On road categories include the popular 160km Solo, 4 x 40km Relay, multi-lap endures and the 5km @Heart kids ride, all based around the idyllic Lake Taupo.

The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is part of the prestigious UCI Golden Bike Series, confirming its place as one of UCI’s six iconic international cycling events.

Event Director, Kay Brake says “As well as participants enjoying one of New Zealand’s most picturesque cycling events, we’ll also be bringing a real festival flavour to the weekend with live entertainment and bands both on and off course. As a recently awarded Outdoors Mark Safety Certified Event, entrants in the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge can also be assured that their health and safety will again be of paramount importance”.

Online entries will be available from 1 July onward at www.cyclechallenge.com

Mountain bike categories have been added along with new tracks