Big Save backs cycling carnival

Napier City Council events manager Kevin Murphy and Big Save director Lily Salter gear up, while her children wave the carnival flag.

Hawke's Bay's 10-day cycling extravaganza next January has attracted one of the region's leading businesses which has signed up to become the naming sponsor for the premier event, the Elite Road National Championships.

For Big Save director Lily Salter it was a move prompted by the clear enjoyment many of the company's customers expressed for a spot of pedalling.

"We understand many of our customers have active lifestyles which includes many going out on their bikes," she said.

"We want to get behind that passion and celebrate cycling at its best."

That, and the growing passion for cycling across the whole country, led to the sponsorship involvement in the Hawke's Bay Summer Cycling Carnival which will be staged between January 7 and 17.

The championship cycling event will be billed as the Big Save Elite Road National Championships where spectators can watch the cycling at a range of spots, including Marine Parade, where it will start and finish, the Botanical Gardens and the Puketitiri Rd where the King of the Mountain section will be staged.

The company is also backing the Big Save Family Fun Ride event, where family groups can ride the racing course for a spot of fun before the championship riders head out. Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the goal was to showcase the best of cycling and also create something that engaged with all ages - from little children to the more mature-aged cyclist.

"The Hawke's Bay Summer Cycling Carnival wraps up more than 10 events over 10 days, providing visitors to the region plenty of reasons to hang around a bit longer and enjoy not only the organised activities but also more than 200km of cycle trails, wine, food and everything else our region has to offer," Mr Dalton said.

Cycling New Zealand Chief Executive Andrew Matheson said he was pleased with how the event was beginning to shape up.

"We are excited about Napier's plans for the Elite Road National," he said.

"Their plans for the event, the unique course in the middle of the city and their plans for a wider cycling carnival will be great for our sport."