Over 9,000 cyclists from around New Zealand and the world ‘Faced the Challenge’ today and rode the 35th Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge in sunny but windy conditions.

The Avanti Men’s Classic was won comfortably by Michael Torckler from Pure Black Racing in a time of 3:48:53, two minutes ahead of team mate Mike Northey and Joseph Cooper from Wellington.

Despite the wind, a great battle was had in the OPI 100km Women’s Road Race with Track cyclist Kaytee Boyd from Auckland taking away 1st place in a time of 3.04.38 closely followed by previous winner Sonya Waddell (Hamilton) and Auckland’s Mel Burke.

For safety reasons, the Contact Huka mountain bike events were stopped as the wind was causing trees to fall down on the track. However organisers were able to advise provisional placings in the Contact Huka XL Race. Last year’s winner Mike Northcott from Tokoroa placed 1st for the second year in a row in the Men’s event and Karen Hanlen from Whakatane placed 1st in the Women’s.

Over 90 hours after he started, Wellington-based Nick Dunne was the first rider ever to complete a unique 10 lap Enduro (1,600km) in honour of his late Father Dan Dunne. The first Extreme Track Extreme Enduro (8 laps, 1280km) rider home was Ron Skelton of Auckland, the first Extreme Track Maxi Enduro (4 laps, 640km) rider home was Steve Mangino of Auckland. Jim Mcmurray (Tirau) and Deb Trendle (Wellington) were the first male and female Extreme Track Enduro (2 laps, 320km) riders home.

This year the event attracted a record numbers of riders in the Extreme Track Enduro Events and the Contact Huka mountain bike events. 395 International riders came from 16 different countries to participate, including 333 from Australia.

This year an estimated $50,500 has been raised for the event’s official charity @Heart.

The date for the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge for next year has been confirmed and will be held on Saturday 24 November 2012.

Facts from this year’s event
• 4911 cyclists took part in the 160km Solo event
• 113 (record number) of cyclists took part in one of the Extreme Track Enduro events including the Extreme Track Extreme Enduro (8 laps), Extreme Track Maxi Enduro (4 laps) and the Extreme Track Enduro (2 laps). Two cyclists rode a unique 10 lap Enduro this year.
• 395 entrants from 16 different countries including 333 Australians took part
• 6 cyclists rode this year’s Cycle Challenge on a Unicyle!


Race Results
Avanti Men’s Classic Race
1. Michael Torckler, New Plymouth 3:48.53
2. Mike Northey, Auckland 3:51.18
3. Joseph Cooper, Wellington 3:51.23

OPI Women’s Road Race Results
1. Kaytee Boyd, Auckland 3:04.38
2. Sonya Waddell, Hamilton 3:04:39
3. Mel Burke, Auckland 3:04:39


END


About the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is an annual event held on the last Saturday in November and attracts thousands of cyclists from around New Zealand and overseas. Cycle Challenge 2011 will be the 35th year the event has been held. There are 12 different cycling events available, catering for cyclists all fitness and ability levels. More information can be found at www.cyclechallenge.com

The Cycle Challenge is a community event, operated by a charitable trust on behalf of the Taupo Moana Rotary Club. Over 1,000 local volunteers contribute to the event with the proceeds going back into the Taupo community. Contact Energy is the event’s Principal Partner.

@Heart is the official charity of the Cycle Challenge. This year, all money raised will go towards helping little hearts have a big adventure – at Camp Brave Hearts – a national camp where heart kids aged 8–12 years can participate in a range of outdoor activities in a fun, safe environment under the supervision of a medical team.

For more information contact:

Kay Brake, Event Director
Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Phone 0274 848 219 or email kay@cyclechallenge.com

Or

Samantha Farr, Media Director
Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Phone 021 625 429 or email sam@cyclechallenge.com

Visit our website www.cyclechallenge.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/cyclechallenge