We are extremely proud to announce that ' Union Cycliste Internationale '(UCI) admitted The Cycle Challenge into their elite Golden Bike series. The title UCI Golden Bike is a Quality label granted to the worlds best events. Admission to this prestigious group is gained when 47 criteria have been met. These measures guarantee sound organization and safety practices The series was implemented by UCI in 1999 with events from 8 countries. We are the 9th admission. Of these we are listed 4th at entrant number level with the Cape Argus event from the Republic of South Africa well ahead with 44,000 entrants, followed by Belgium and Spain. We received recognition after a site visit during the 2006 challenge, and as a consequence we were invited to attend a seminar at the UCI headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland.

Thanks to the generosity of the Cycle Challenge Trust, Taupo District Council and the Rotary Club of Taupo Moana, I was able to attend the seminar with Warwick Hall, Event Executive of TDC.

We gave a presentation not only of our event but our town and our country. It was extremely well received.

Golden Bike has a "Travellers Club" whereby cyclists who join get access and preferential treatment at all the Golden bike partnered events. This comes under the UCI initiative of 'cycling for all' and forms part of the global rebirth of recreational cycling. It was interesting to note that only three cyclists gained the Gold Club Card for competing in all events - but they were from the United Kingdom where they dont have a Golden Bike Ride.

This development means that NZ cyclists have privileged access to the other affiliated events and vice versa.

The events and Countries are:

• Cape Argus Pick and Pay tour. -South Africa.
• The Tour of Flanders. -Belgium.
• Toevresie Amstel Gold Race -Holland.
• Gran Fonde Felice Gimonde -Italy.
• Quabrantahuesos. -Spain.
• Cyclosportive l" Ariegeoise. -France
• Gruyere La Pascal. -Switzerland.
• Rothaus Riderman -Germany.
• And Lake taupo Cycle Challenge -New Zealand.

All dates and information on www.ucigoldenbike.com

So go international.

Keith Crate

We have formed an association with the largest events in Australia “Around the bays in a day” –Melbourne and South Africa “The Cape Argus Tour”- Cape Town.

We encourage entries and supports from these fine countries. They will be recognised on our tri-nations page and once completing all 3 events in a 5 year period will receive a treasured memento.

You can visit their respective websites by clicking the links below:

Bike Victoria updates

Cape Argus Pick and Pay Cycle Challenge- South Africa

Bike the Bay in a Day - Melbourne