Cycling: Devotees pour in for cycling pilgrimage

The start line at the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is an amazing sight. Photo / APN

There is no other sight like it in New Zealand.

The start line of the Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge: as far as the eye can see is a sea of cyclists.

The population of the adventure sport Mecca doubles this weekend as cyclists of all abilities come from around the country and abroad to compete in New Zealand's premier cycling event.

Taupo normally has a population of 23,000, which grows to about 46,000 when taking into account the more than 10,000 athletes taking part in the 160km circumnavigation of Lake Taupo as well as their respective support crews.

"It is an amazing atmosphere on race day and a great weekend in Taupo," said PR and marketing manager Clare Ponton.

"There is nothing like seeing 5000 riders packed in at the start line ... it is a real combination of nerves and excitement."

The event has been in operation for 34 years and has come a long way in that time to boast a growing international reputation.

Local Patrick Bevin, won the 160km race last year as an 18-year-old in a sprint finish where he edged out the experienced Jeremy Yates and Cambridge's Eric Drower.

Bevin withdrew this week after suffering from illness.

"I am gutted because this is my home race," said the defending champion. "I have pretty fond memories of winning last year and I would have loved to defend my title but I guess it's not to be and I'll have to wait for next year."

In Bevin's absence, there are plenty of top quality contenders to take the title.

Sam Bewley, who rides with Lance Armstrong's team, is entered alongside Gordon McCauley who rode so impressively at the Commonwealth Games to help Hayden Roulston to a silver medal and Yates arrived fresh from his win at K2.

In the Women's Road Race, Cambridge's Melissa Holt took victory almost one-and-a-half minutes ahead of Wanganui's Cath Cheatley.

Cheatley headed off a bunch of 13 to secure second place with Taradale's Serena Sheridan in third.

Rushlee Buchanan (national road race champion), Cheatley (US national champion) and Serena Sheridan (dominates national events) hope to keep the Kiwi pride intact against the Australian Prime Estate team of Nicole Whitburn, Rebecca Locke, Jenny MacPherson and Naomi Williams.

This year, the Challenge farewells Keith Crate who has resigned after 16 years as event director.

"We thank him for his unwavering passion for and commitment to Cycle Challenge," said trust chairman Doug Simmons, who has appointed Rob McKnight to direct the event in his absence.

In the inaugural year, 1977, about 27 people competed when they went for a fun ride around the lake.

Since 2004, the number of participants has consistently reached about 10,000 and, last year, 11,154 entrants were treated to near perfect riding conditions.

Event organisers have carried out a committed marketing campaign in Australia and that has brought a record number (377) of Aussies across the ditch.

There are a record number of international participants (447) in 2010 too with 21 countries being represented at the event.

"The ride around Lake Taupo really appeals to many riders for the scenery and the challenge."

The Cycle Challenge is accessible for every level of rider - a challenging 160km ride for individuals or teams of two, three or four can participate in the team event.

Alternatively, mountain bikers can take on the 80km track (predominantly single trail) on their own or in a team of two.

"If you are going to attempt the 160km solo race then you need to do about 16 weeks of training," aid Ponton.

The race caters for the recreational rider in many forms. The ages range from children completing the 5km event to athletes in their 80s still taking on the solo ride.

There are the stalwarts who love what the race offers. Andy Bloomer, who competed in his first Cycle Challenge around Lake Taupo back in 1984, returns for his 24th 160km race.

"It's still a challenge and one that I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to every year," said the 58-year-old.

"It gets me off the couch every winter and stops me getting old and fat - this race is real motivation - the same with anything - the more training you do the easier it is.

"If you don't put in the training, then the hills are a battle."

Riders from many walks of life enter the Cycle Challenge and there are some amazing stories about how this event has changed people's lives.

"One man told us that he was suicidal and at a real low point in his life and he signed up for the 160km ride and that end goal has given his life some real purpose," said Ponton.

"This weekend will be an amazing turnaround for him."

* @ Heart (formerly Heart Children NZ) is the official charity of the Cycle Challenge and will ask riders to wear their "heart on their sleeve" and set up a personalised fundraising page when they enter the event.

@ Heart aims to raise $200,000 through rider sponsorship; funds which will provide life-long support to children and their families living with the challenges of a heart condition.