Media Release

15 December 2006.

Lake Brunner to feature in national cycle event

Six hundred cyclists and their support crews are expected to take part in the Around Brunner Cycle Race next April- the new event being planned to showcase spectacular scenery and become an annual major event in the region.

The 130 kilometre cycle race is the latest addition to the West Coast’s major events calendar.

The West Coast Development Trust has approved funding for the ‘Around Brunner’ event which will be held on 21st April next year with funding of $50,000 for 2007 and a further $25,000 being earmarked for 2008.

The event has been approved on the back of a regional Events and Conference Strategy being considered by the Trust to attract significant events to the Coast that will contribute economic impact and raise awareness of the region. It also dovetails into Tourism West Coast’s regional strategic plan. Chairman of Tourism West Coast, Tony Williams, says the event is well placed on the regional calendar and has the capability of quickly becoming one of our annual iconic events. “Hosting events like this means everyone wins; from the accommodation providers, tourist attractions and the retail sector.”

The West Coast already hosts several major events such as the start of the Speight’s Coast to Coast, the Buller Marathon, the Wild Foods Festival and the Greymouth Motor Cycle Street races.

“There is potential to attract not only high profile sporting events but cultural, creative and business events such as conferences to the region” said Trust CEO, MikeTrousselot. “The Trust recognises the spin offs from these activities by way of economic impact, regional awareness and repeat visitation” he said.

Around Brunner will be presented by Tim Scandrett of tps Event Management and Dale Coulter of Challenge Events. Tim has many years experience over a wide range of events with in the events industry, while Dale has been closely involved in the organizing of the Speight’s Coast to Coast and the AMP multi sports race as well as providing expertise in traffic management to many other events.

“We know this race has all the hallmarks of becoming a great event,” said Tim. We are confident that we will attract 600 riders from around the country in the first year, the setting is fantastic and the course will certainly prove challenging.”

“The support of the Development Trust will make a difference to how we present this inaugural event. Competitors in this sport are committed and discerning, they will follow the great races around the country. We hope to build the numbers annually and to attract some of the great names in cycling” said Tim. “However we are mindful of those who enjoy the sport on a more recreational basis and we want to encourage everyone who wants to participate,” he said

The start finish has not yet been confirmed but there are a number of options being considered. “Our biggest challenge will be to get the riders across the Taramakau road/rail bridge as early and efficiently as possible,” said Tim. “With an event like this the traffic management plan is critical and we will be working closely with local authorities to ensure the race provides the safest course for competitors with the least disruption to traffic.

You can read more about “Around Brunner” on www.aroundbrunner.co.nz.

ENDS

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