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.
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