The Coromandel’s biggest road cycle race returns at the end of this month, and it’s a timely reminder to watch out for cyclists and share the road over the weeks ahead.

More than 1100 cyclists are expected to take part in the Flight Centre K2 Road Cycle Classic and associated events, being held on Saturday, 27 October 2018.

The 200km race starts in a different town each year, and this year starts and finishes in Coromandel Town. Cyclists then race in an anticlockwise direction through Thames, Tairua, Whitianga and back, to Coromandel Town.

In the lead-up to the event we always experience greater numbers of cyclists on our road as they come here to train on the course.

East Waikato Road Safety Coordinator Ingrid Le Fevre says there are already a noticeable amount of cyclists on the SH25/25A network training, and she reminds motorists to be alert for cyclists and to drive carefully when near them.

“Cyclists can be quite vulnerable on the road as they are less visible and less well protected than other road users,” Ingrid says.

“Be patient when travelling and remember, cyclists have a right to space on the road and need extra room at intersections and roundabouts.

“Hazards such as parked cars, potholes or strong wind may cause cyclists to veer off-line and move into your path. Because of this, give cyclists plenty of room - ideally, allow at least 1.5m between you and the cyclist,” Ingrid says.

Other tips for safe driving around cyclists include:

• Wait for a clear space before passing a cyclist on a narrow road.
• At intersections, apply the same rules to cyclists that you would to any other vehicle on the road. Take care to indicate turns and check carefully for cyclists before turning at, or moving through an intersection.
• Take extra care around young cyclists.

K2 co-director Andy Reid says K2 is now in its 17th year and continues to be popular event for serious cyclists.

Billed as possibly the toughest one-day cycle challenge in the southern hemisphere. It’s also one of the most scenic and varied races, with the route traveling through sub tropical forest, pacific coastlines, rural farmland and the Pohutukawa coastline of the Hauraki Gulf.

Having the race in a different start each year keeps it interesting and keeps people coming back.

As well as the 200km race there are shorter distance 86km and 43km events. This year, for the first time, the event also incorporates a 72km off-road ‘Dirty K’ mountain bike event which starts and finishes in Coromandel Town, via Colville and Kennedy Bay.

Every four years organisers also run the double-distance EnergyclubNZ K4 and it just so happens that it will be taking place this year. This is two laps of the main event and starts on the Friday evening.

“The K4 is a bit like the Olympics, it only comes around every four years,” Andy says.

For more information on K2 visit the website for Adventure Racing Coromandel: www.arcevents.co.nz

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