Taupo Cycling Club

New Zealand’s premier cycling event - the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge - was today named one of the best rides in the world by the International Cycling Union. The announcement from Switzerland will see the Cycle Challenge admitted to the prestigious Golden Bike Series - a quality label granted to the best international cycling events. One event only can be added to the series every five years. Currently eight events in eight countries - seven in Europe and one in South Africa - have Golden Bike Status, awarded after the event demonstrates its ability to meet the strict criteria of the International Cycling Union (UCI). Last Saturday’s Cycle Challenge saw close to 11,000 ride around Lake Taupo in a range of challenges for every level of cyclist. Most popular is the 160km solo ride around the lake which had 5675 riders this year. Other Challenges include 2, 3, 4 and 5 person relays which can include a mountain bike section, the 5km Heart Ride for children and the 2 and 4 lap Endurance rides. Elite riders compete in the Avanti Classic Race which organisers hope to see admitted to the UCI professional circuit in 2007. The only other Golden Bike event in the Southern Hemisphere is the Cape Argus Cycle tour which attracts 35,000 participants annually.