A hearty duo for Taupo cycling

Nicholas Ward, 10, with Bevan Docherty. Picture / Amos Chapple

Olympic medallist Bevan Docherty's big heart will ensure 10-year-old Nicholas Ward's weakened heart is no obstacle in the country's biggest cycling event today.

Nicholas has only one half of his heart functioning, but will be buoyed on by Docherty, who is taking time out after the competitive side of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge to escort Nicholas in the 5km Heart Ride for youngsters.

"I'll tell the boy to pace himself. I'm sure he's going to try to attack me left, right and centre on the bike," Docherty said.

Nicholas had completed a 6km ride in preparation and was not going to miss the opportunity to ride with a sporting hero.

"He was able to handle [6km] okay. He had to really push to get through it, but this is one determined child," said his mother, Carla Ward.

The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge will this year involve a record 11,500 riders from across New Zealand and overseas, and has almost booked out all accommodation in the Taupo area.

Most are taking part in the 160km Solo Challenge, but a field of 120 riders, including Docherty and cycling gold medallist Sarah Ulmer, will compete in the Avanti Classic Race. Ten brave endurance riders will complete three laps of Lake Taupo - a distance of 500km.

More than 150 children will join Nicholas in the Heart Ride. It is hoped the challenge will raise $100,000 for Heart Children New Zealand.

Mrs Ward, who is also taking part in the challenge, said her son was looking forward to riding with the athlete he watched win silver in the Olympic triathlon.

"He's not the kind of kid to get really excited about stuff, because he paces himself and uses his energy quite wisely. He's just learned not to go over the top with anything," Mrs Ward said.

The right side of Nicholas' heart did not develop properly when he was born and he has two holes in the heart, she said.

"It's not a fixable condition. He has had three operations so far... [Doctors] don't know what the future holds." 


The big ride

* The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is the largest organised cycling event in the country, with 11,500 people taking part. It includes several different races to cater for the competitive and less able riders.

* The fastest male and female competitors will win $2000.

* Sporting celebrities taking part include Olympic medallists Sarah Ulmer and Bevan Docherty, multi-sport legend Steve Gurney and former world superbike star Aaron Slight.

* Sports and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard will also take part.