Organisers of the Tour of New Zealand cycling event being held April 20-27 are hoping to attract local cyclists to take part in events, particularly those being held in their own regions.
Race director Peter Yarrell was in the Far North last month vigorously promoting the event and campaigning toget more locals involved in the national cycling event, which starts simultaneously in Cape Reinga and Invercargill on April 20, with both groups of North Island and South Island riders set to finish at the Beehive in Wellington on April 27, having completed seven legs, on the eighth and final day.
Enthusiastic, energetic and affable, Yarrell also particularly wanted to remind schools and non-profit groups they could take part on their respective local legs only and instead of nominating a charity could use the event to fundraise for their own schools.
"We want them to raise money for their school sports programmes. All we want to know is how much they raise so we can put this on our website."
He already had several groups and schools interested in coming on board, as well as being represented by riders taking part in the 111km stretch on day one from Cape Reinga to Kaitaia, and the 70km leg on day two from Opononi to Dargaville. The Day 3 and 4 legs were 70km and 84km from Dargaville to Brynderwyn; and Tuakau to Raglan respectively.
As per usual, Yarrell said a number of riders had booked but as per human nature, he was expecting a surge of late entries in the final six weeks leading up to the event. He said this, from an organisational viewpoint, made it very difficult to advance plan for all the contingencies.
For more information on the Tour of New Zealand, visit the event website.
