Entry forms for the third annual Outside Sports Alpine Classic have been released. A cycle race from Queenstown to Wanaka and return, via the Crown Range, the Outside Sports Alpine Classic offers a challenge for both teams and individuals. The race will be held on Saturday the 1st of March, starting from Outside Sports in Queenstown at 8.30am.

With competitors from as far a-field as Auckland, this years Outside Sports Alpine Classic is expected to draw a strong field.

This year the Outside Sports Alpine Classic has been awarded category two classification by Cycling NZ. Race organiser Jane McCurdy says she is thrilled with the recognition that Cycling NZ has given the Outside Sports Alpine Classic. "I am sure that the Alpine Classic has the potential to be one of New Zealand's great cycling races. The ride up and over the Crown Range provides a great challenge for both the individual and team riders � and the area that they are riding through is spectacular."

Cyclists will race from Queenstown, over the Crown Range, down the Cardrona Valley and into Wanaka. Once in Wanaka they will do a loop of Pembroke Park before returning back over the Crown Range, and into Queenstown. For teams the race will be split into sections, with changeover points at the Cardrona Hotel and in Wanaka.

This years Outside Sports Alpine Classic has a number of sections for individuals, including one for senior veterans (aged 50yrs plus). There are three team sections. For more information about the event check the events page for an entry form, or check out the website at www.outsidesports.co.nz

Wakatipu Cycling Club is thrilled to have the Outside Sports Alpine Classic on the calendar again for this year. Club President Craig Steele says that the event embodies the club motto 'Cycle in Central � Its more Fun in the Sun'.

Outside Sports, Doctor Bike, The Wakatipu Cycle Club, AJ Gear, Isofuel, The Duplicator, Spy Sunglasses, TA Design, The Cardrona Hotel, Met Helmets, The Pig & Whistle and Hydrapak are all supporting the Outside Sports Alpine Classic.