The Cycle Challenge is back in town this weekend
New Zealand’s premier cycling event is back and is celebrating its 44th running this year. Running this Saturday 26 November, it’s the country’s largest cycling occasion and arguably one of the country’s largest sports participation events is again looking forward to welcoming around 5,000 riders and over 7,000 supporters to the Taupō region on Saturday 26 November 2022.
With a philosophy of inclusion, the BDO Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge 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.
At Bayleys Taupo and Turangi, we’re delighted to be a sponsor of this exciting event and are even more excited that some of our own agents, Mel Hoverd and Sharni Mackintosh, are taking part.
From a 320km Endurance road ride, lapping the lake twice, to 16km Lakesider ride, perfect for families looking for a more leisurely pace and distance, the Cycle Challenge offers plenty of opportunities for everyone and anyone to take part.
Although online entries are now closed, if you have a sudden burst of energy and motivation then late entries are still available at the Great Lake Centre, Friday 25 November 12pm - 8pm, during the Sport and Lifestyle Expo.
If you enjoy participation by way of watching from the sidelines, then here is some information for you to help you plan your day:
Sport and Lifestyle Expo on Friday 25 November 12pm- 8pm, at the Great Lake Centre, Tongariro Street
Event Day - Saturday 26 November - the Event Village on Kaimanawa Street on the reserve behind the fire station, will be open from 11am - 6pm
A number of food vendors, coffee carts and bars will be operating in the Event Village until 7pm
Race Start Area will be located on Redoubt Street
Race Finish Area - Lake Terrace, by the Rifle Range Road intersection
There will be a Maori welcome and blessing
Highland pipers and drummers will be playing on Waihi Hill, Waihaha Hill and on the MTB tracks
Cheerleaders along the lakefront will be cheering on competitors
There will be a DJ and MC on the Main Stage in the Event Village 12pm - 3pm and live musicians 3pm - 5pm
The Fun Zone at the Event Village will be open from 12pm
Roads will be closed around town, so if you’re looking to make your weekly trip into town to get groceries, be mindful that it may be busy and your usual routes may be closed. Click here to find out more about these road closures.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
