Entries are now open for the 2026 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge (LTCC) and race organisers would like to see plenty of Taupō riders in the saddle - and are offering a couple of sweeteners.
As the event builds toward its 50th anniversary in 2028, organisers are also encouraging riders from across New Zealand and beyond to get behind what has become an iconic Kiwi event and help keep the legacy rolling for future generations.
Cyclists can now to lock in their place at the 2026 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, with entries officially open for the event this year on Saturday, November 28.
Approaching its landmark 50th staging, the LTCC remains one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated cycling events, bringing together first-timers, families, social riders, and pros for an unforgettable day around the shores of Lake Taupō.
Built on nearly five decades of experience, it has earned a reputation for being down-to-earth, and welcoming to all. It’s an event that celebrates personal achievement, epic scenery, camaraderie, and the unmistakable buzz of riding alongside thousands of others in a spectacular destination.
Event organisers say the 2026 edition is shaping up to be another memorable celebration of cycling and community.
“The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge has always been more than just a ride - it’s a feeling,” says event director, Hayden Dickason.
“It’s about setting a goal, giving it a crack, and sharing the experience with others. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, ticking it off the bucket list, or simply riding with mates and whānau, there’s something incredibly special about crossing that finish line in Taupō.”
The event continues to play an important role both economically and socially for the region, attracting visitors from around the country and creating a festival atmosphere throughout the town.
Dickason acknowledges that, like many events across New Zealand, recent years have brought significant financial pressures.
“Last year’s event operated at a loss, and as we work toward celebrating 50 years in 2028, support from the cycling community has never been more important. We’d love people to get behind the event - whether it’s by entering for the first time, returning for another ride or encouraging friends and family to be part of it. Every entry helps ensure this iconic event continues for future generations.”
As part of the 2026 launch, riders are encouraged to take on the challenge together, with initiatives aimed at families, groups, local riders, and long-time supporters helping grow participation and strengthen the event community.
Dickason says organisers are doing a couple of new things to encourage locals this year.
One is a local referral system.
“So, if a local does enter the event and refers someone else when they're doing the entry, if that person, that referee does actually enter the event, then we're going to refund 25 per cent of that original referrers entry cost… And we've also got a family pass too, which we haven't done before. So an adult enters and pays as normal. But then for any children under 18, they get a 20 per cent discount, if they're under 15, they get a 30 per cent discount…
“Most of our riders by far are coming from out of town, which is great for the region's economic benefit, but we'd love to see more locals taking part as well.”
Dickason says last year’s economic benefit to the region was estimated at $7million.
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is operated by a charitable trust and has longstanding ties to the local community through the support of Lake Taupō Rotary, with surplus funds helping support community initiatives across the region.
Riders can choose from a range of event categories and distances to suit all abilities, from recreational cyclists through to experienced endurance riders.
Entries are now open via the official website. Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge event and entry information can be found at: www.cyclechallenge.com
ABOUT LAKE TAUPŌ CYCLE CHALLENGE
Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is NZ’s greatest cycling event, with thousands of participants from around New Zealand and the world taking part each year. It is best known for the Round the Lake event, sponsored by Shimano, the one-lap circumnavigation of Lake Taupō, although this is just one of nine event categories on offer, with road cycling, mountain bike, gravel and family ride options for individuals and teams. www.cyclechallenge.com
Now, in its 48th year, the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge has become an iconic event, touching the hearts of generations of Kiwis and international riders for what organisers hope will be many years to come. From a grass roots beginning it has become one of New Zealand’s most iconic and well-respected sporting events.
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is proudly a Lake Taupō Rotary run event, helping support local community groups across the Taupō region year after year.
