Cycling: Tour of NZ set for its second running

This weekend will see the Tour of New Zealand start from both ends of the country, so expect to be sharing Northland roads with plenty of cyclists.

In just its second year, the Tour of New Zealand begins simultaneously in Cape Reinga and Bluff on Saturday with both lots of cyclists finishing about 700km in eight days as they end up at the Beehive in Wellington.

Race director Peter Yarrell said cyclists leaving from Cape Reinga will be farewelled by local Maori as the tour looks to celebrate cycling and the sights New Zealand has to offer.

"We have over 30 competitors flying in to ride the Tour from Australia, Hong Kong, Texas, the UK, Russia and Japan," Yarrell said. "They have chosen the route that fascinates them most, the North Island or South Island.

"[Riders] will be greeted in the South by the inimitable Mayor of Invercargill, Tim Shadbolt, or in the north by the magnificent Guardian of Cape Reinga, the famous Lighthouse and a local Maori farewell."

Yarrell said he is rapt with the support the event has received from sponsors which means $1000 worth of spot prizes will be distributed each day.

Once riders reach New Zealand's capital city - on about April 27 - they will have a North versus South ride-off to determine an overall Tour winner.

Riders will race around a tight 600m circuit which starts on the steps of Parliament.

The 2012 Tour riders raised $75,000 for the charities it supported, with Yarrell keen to see that figure broken this year.

Money raised from this year's challenge will go to the Heart Foundation, St Johns, Halberg Trust and Hikurangi bikes in schools programmes.

For the first time in New Zealand technology will be on board tracking individual riders as they compete. Downloaded information will mean riders live progress on each stage will be available for friends and family anywhere in the world to follow.

To see a full description of the tour visit www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz