The Lion Foundation Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge is preparing for its fourth annual seven-day tour of the North Island commencing on Sunday 12 February in Lower Hutt and cycling into Pukekohe on Saturday 18 February 2012.

The tour, managed by Dynamo Events, is a revival of the Dulux - the ultimate cycle race back in the 1960-1980s that used to attract cyclists from around New Zealand and overseas.

Today’s challenge has a very social aspect and is not solely for the elite rider with nurses, chartered accountants, farmers, builders and computer programmers amongst the field of individuals and relay teams for 2012.

The overseas attraction is still strong with cycle-tourists from America, Australia and the Netherlands taking up the opportunity to view New Zealand from the seat of a bike.

Hamish McKay will be competing for his second consecutive year along with Frank Bunce, Ian Kirkpatrick and Brancott Estate Chief Winemaker Patrick Materman.

Dynamo Events have a strong history in New Zealand cycling with Director Stephen Cox competing in the Dulux and representing New Zealand at the 1984 Olympics and 1978, 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games. Cox has also been a national coach and team manager.

“The international appeal of this event is very exciting for us. Cycling tourism is growing, especially with the investment in cycle ways around New Zealand and we see this event really complimenting this initiative,” says Cox.   

Entries are still open for the event with transport, accommodation and meals options available.

Notes:

The Lion Foundation Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge
12-18 February 2012

Further information available at www.wellingtontoauckland.co.nz

For further media information please contact:
Jacqui Gage-Brown
027 664 7039
Jacqui@ingage.co.nz