Fun rides and cup contest at festival

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The Wanganui Festival of Cycling this weekend caters for both competitive riders and families looking just to have fun.

The competitive grade cyclists take centre stage on Saturday in the Grand Prix with the major prize the John Bull Cup. There will also be prize money up for grabs. Racing begins and finishes at the Brunswick Hall with start times scheduled for 9.30am and 12.30pm.

On Sunday Fun Rides are planned from Cooks Gardens. The Life Education Family Fun River Ride (9km) starts at 2pm and takes riders across the the city bridge, through the trails of Kowhai Park to the Railway Bridge and returning to town over the Dublin St Bridge back to Cooks Gardens.

The Gran Fondo is a 125km tour through the picturesque valleys of Wanganui and Rangitikei finishing at Durie Hill School, before a gentle pedal back to Cooks Gardens.

The Gran Fondo (short course) is a rural ride over 30km starts at 11am and is designed for the less experienced. This also finishes at Durie Hill School.

A Kiwi Kids cycling event within Cooks Gardens begins at 11am for an 11.30am start and is organised by the Mountain Bike Club and Bike Shed.

Enter on line at cyclingwanganui.org.nz before Friday and be in to win a $200 travel voucher from Harvey World Travel.

Prizegiving is scheduled for 3.30pm for the major rides and fun events. Spot prizes are also in the mix, although winners must be there to win.

Major spot prizes include a Suzuki 125cc scooter valued at $2699 and a SuzukiNZ and Pak'n Save $500 grocery voucher.

Entertainment is planned and includes bands and family fun activities.