Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge results: Great Lake 100 debuts, top times logged

The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge attracts thousands of participants from around New Zealand and the world taking part each year. Photo / Supplied

Thousands of riders rolled out for the 47th edition of the iconic Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge on Sunday.

With nine event categories on offer, including the debut of the Great Lake 100, more than 3000 cyclists of all ages, abilities and disciplines took to the course to test their legs and soak up the unbeatable atmosphere.

A statement on behalf of racing organisers said the iconic 160km Shimano Round the Lake saw one of its closest men’s races yet, ending in a thrilling sprint finish with just 0.18 seconds between the leaders, Alex Botha and Joshua Cavanagh.

Alex Botha from Auckland ultimately secured Best in Class with a time of 3:57:15, and average speed of 40.4 km/h.

Edward Rawson took third place – only two seconds behind Alex.

Jaye Atkin from Auckland took the title of “fastest female” with a time of 4:09:58 and an average speed of 38.4 km/h.

Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge ambassador Jon Bridges can hold his head up high, crossing the finish line with a time of 4:28:09, shaving an impressive 44 minutes off his time from last year.

Isaac Schuurman from Taupō put his local knowledge to good use, taking out Best in Class for the epic mountain bike course, the Tineli Huka Hundy with a time of 4:45:13, eight seconds ahead of second-placed Jason Davis.

Over on the women’s side, Milla Phipps from Reporoa took out the title of Best in Class with a time of 5:21:59 and an average speed of 18.6 km/hr. Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge Ambassador and Taupō local Libby O’Brien, crossed the line with a time of 5:21:55 in the e-Bike category.

The new Great Lake 100 event saw more than 250 competitors take part, with Paul Grayson from Auckland taking the top spot for the men, with a time of 2:54:03 and average speed of 34.4 km/h and Shenae Barker from Haruru with a time of 3:18:35 for the women.

A huge success for its first year, with plenty of people already excited about its return next year.

Olly Taylor from Cambridge was fastest male in the Gravel Grind event with a time of 2:49:50, with Brittney Litton from Whakatane securing the top spot for the women with a time of 3:28:46.

For those who took on the awe-inspiring two-lap 320km Enduro event, the best here were Christensen Drew from Hamilton (male) and Prudence Fowler from Auckland (female) with times of 9:11:20 and 11:13:57 respectively.

Event director Hayden Dickason said the event was a true celebration of cycling and community.

“From top athletes to first-time riders, it is inspiring to see so many people challenging themselves and enjoying everything this event, and Taupō, has to offer.

“Thank you to every participant, supporter, and especially our incredible Contact Energy Volunteers Community Groups, workers and event partners who make the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge possible. Bring on next year!”