Roadcycling: Cycling tour you don't want to miss

Cyclists sprint to the finish during the third stage of the Tour of the Bay of Plenty last year. Photo / Stephen Parker

The Tour of the Bay of Plenty is returning to Rotorua this long weekend, with riders from across the North Island tackling the three-day race.

The Tour of the Bay of Plenty was first held last October and is being held again this year.
Event organiser Shane Hooks said Rotorua was a brilliant location for a cycling tour, with some excellent roads and easy access for riders across the North Island.

"It really is unique and it takes advantage of the centralness of Rotorua. About 85per cent of the riders are coming from out of the region."

He said he was not sure which riders had entered this year, but expected some top young cyclists to be on the start line.

"I know there are a couple of young development riders and it is a great tour for them," he said.

"At the end of the day you can't beat having 'first' on your CV."

A Bay of Plenty starter tour is also being held this long weekend which features shorter stages.

Hooks expected up to 300 people in the main tour and starter tour. The event would be based at Holiday Inn Rotorua.

Stages

* Stage one (tomorrow): Rotorua to Matata (64.7km)
* Stage two (tomorrow): Time trial (11.6km)
* Stage three (Sunday): Around Lake Rotorua twice (78km)
* Stage four (Monday): Around Waikite Valley (68km)