Whanganui rides hard in Taupo

Alan Luff

There was a two-wheeled exodus from Whanganui on Saturday as dozens of locals headed north to compete in the 2016 Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

The challenge is New Zealand's largest cycling event, with around 7000 riders from 24 countries taking part each year.

It is best known for the 160km cycle of one lap around the lake, but there are 14 different categories of various length events to enter.

Amongst the best results, veteran Alan Luff completed the trip around the water in 4h 40m, which saw him win the 70-79 year age group prize.

Fastest of the locals was Bevan Cheatley in 4h 17m, while 13 minutes behind him was Rob Manson, with his time being 10th in the 60-69 age group.

Laurika Hazelhurst was the fastest Whanganui woman, finishing in 5h 17m, while Clint Black should be commended as his 5h 45m time came just a week after he competed in the Queenstown Marathon.

Amongst the other categories, Glenn Haden entered the shorter classic race and finished 12th overall in 3h 43m, which was only four minutes behind the winner and ahead of a number of quality riders from New Zealand and England.

In the Huka XL race, Brent Bismark competed his ride in 4h 24m, which saw him come second in the 40-49 age group.