A record 8,741 entrants lined up in perfect conditions today for the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Event Director Keith Crate is delighted with the turnout , 1,500 more than last year, and is full of praise for the cyclists and motorists who have shared public roads over the course of the event.
The Avanti Classic Race was won by Hastings' Matt Yates in a time of 4.07. 51 with Justin Kerr 2nd in 4.09 43 followed by Leigh Chapman in 4.10. 18. Morrinsville's Roz Reekie-May took out the women's race in 4.12.20 followed closely by Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Ulmer in 4.13.17 with Wellington's Susie Wood third in 4.17.50. The Race carries a $2000 prize package for first male and female riders across the line .
Todays times didn't challenge the event records held by Susy Pryde (4h.09m) and Lee Vertongen(3h.53m). Less conventional participants in the event included Wellington Unicyclist Ken Looi who undertook the 160km crcuit around Lake Taupo on a Unicyle and Green Politicians Mike Ward, Rod Donald, Ian Ewen Street and Keith Locke. The event also included a 5km Heart Ride for the under 10 year olds . The $350,000 prize package for the event is spot drawn and all proceeds from the event are returned to the local community.
Full results can be found here.
