Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

Cycle challenge goes up a gear for New Zealand charities

05 February 2016

For Immediate Release

Cycle challenge goes up a gear for New Zealand charities


Cyclists and celebrities from all over New Zealand have just one week of training left before taking to the start line of the 8th annual BDO Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge.

Organised by New Zealand cycling events specialists, Dynamo Events, the 2016 challenge will see over 180 cyclists, including 15 corporate teams, make their way up the North Island, through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

This year, $150,000 will be shared among those charities nominated by the top three corporate teams.

Teams include Westpac, riding for the Rescue Helicopter; ASB, riding for St John’s Ambulance; BDO, riding for Variety; and 2 Degrees, riding for Kids Can.

Variety is the official charity for the 2016 event. Previous charities include the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which received over $50,000 in 2014 and 2015 from the race.

Stephen Cox, Race Director and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games cyclist, says the increase of corporate teams participating has really enhanced the event. “We have a record number of corporate teams in the event this year. This certainly adds to the competitiveness but it’s all for a good cause. Last year ASB won, with monies going to Starship, so we’ll have to wait and see whether or not the team can defend their title.”

The organisers are hoping for good weather for the week, as is TVNZ Breakfast weatherman, Sam Wallace, who will deliver the weather news from the race each morning.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The starter’s flag will wave the peloton off in Lower Hutt on Sunday 14th February, with the first stage finishing at the top of the Rimutaka Hill. Over the week, cyclists will travel through towns and cities including Featherston, Masterton, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Turangi, Taupo and Hamilton before crossing the finish line in the 12th stage on Saturday 20 February in Pukekohe.

BDO Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge

Stage 1 – Sunday 14 Feb – Lower Hutt Stage 7 – Wednesday 17 Feb - Kakatahi

Stage 2 – Sunday 14 Feb - Featherston Stage 8 – Thursday 18 Feb - Ohakune

Stage 3 – Monday 15 Feb – Masterton Stage 9 – Thursday 18 Feb - Turangi

Stage 4 – Monday 15 Feb – Pahiatua Stage 10 – Friday 19 Feb - Taupo

Stage 5 – Tuesday 16 Feb – Palmerston North Stage 11 – Saturday 20 Feb - Hamilton

Stage 6 – Wednesday 17 Feb – Wanganui Stage 12 – Saturday 20 Feb – Glen Murray

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.