"We have spent a lot of money upgrading and creating about 200km of trails and there are a lot of tourists who come in to the region at this time of the year so it made sense to create a carnival atmosphere."
Elite Road National Cycling Championships event director Ivan Aplin said they were pleased with the inaugural event but have fine tuned and made some tweaks this year.
"It was too long last year so we have brought the carnival activities in front of the pinnacle men's race as a build up."
He said this meant top riders would come to the region earlier and enjoy what was on offer with other cycling enthusiasts.
"There is an opportunity for people of all skill levels to ride alongside former Australian cyclist Robbie McEwan on Thursday at the i-way fun ride which is great."
Another highlight for Mr Aplin is the Olympic rowing double gold medallist Hamish Bond riding in the time trial.
"He was here just last week checking out the course so he is pretty serious about it which is wonderful."
On the Saturday and Sunday a hub will be set up at the Napier Botanical Gardens for partying spectators so they can get up close to the action and support the elite riders.
The participation numbers for the Elite Road National Cycling Championships have increased by 20 per cent and there has been a noticeable increase in the women's grade.
"Most top riders are able to make it and Jack Bauer who raced in the Tour De France last year and the Olympics this year is coming, which is fantastic," Mr Aplin said.
The carnival will wrap up with the Legends of Cycling Dinner at Church Road Winery on the Sunday.
This is the first time the dinner is being held in Hawke's Bay and Mr Murphy said it was a great opportunity for people to hear stories from some of New Zealand's top cyclists.
"Anyone with an interest should get a ticket, it will be an interesting evening," Mr Murphy said.
Tourism Hawke's Bay general manager Annie Dundas said last years carnival meant spending in the region was well up on the previous year.
"It is not a huge visitor event but does get a lot of people out and about in the town and provides a wonderful spectacle for visitors who happen to be in the region."
Ms Dundas said there are multiple vantage points throughout Hawke's Bay for people to get out and support the top riders.
"I am looking forward to this year and just hope there is good weather and more visitors who make there way to Hawke's Bay."
For more information and tickets visit summercyclingcarnival.co.nz.