Holden is helping fans of two wheels with its sponsorship of the largest bike event in New Zealand, the annual Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

The challenge is into its 37th year after starting with only 26 participants, and now attracts more than 8000 entrants annually with an average of 12,000 supporters flooding into Taupo.

The Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, which is registered as a not-for-profit organisation, is held on the last Saturday in November each year with profits going back into the local community through various charitable trusts.

This year @Heart is the official charity. It provides support for families of children who require life-saving open heart surgery within the first few days of life.

As major sponsor of the event, Holden New Zealand will also provide the major spot prize, a new Trax compact SUV, that will be launched next month.

The open men's race will now be called the Holden Elite Men's Classic Race. To enter the men's race of 160km each entrant must have a current national racing licence and a Cycle Challenge best time of 4:15 or less.

Holden New Zealand communications and sponsorship manager Julie Southall is excited to be aligned with such a great event and a generous contributor to the community.

"We are thrilled to be a major sponsor of the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and have been very impressed with the professionalism of the event management team who provide an event not just for the elite but also the social cyclist," said Southall.