Police hope motorists in the Coromandel will get as much 'exercise' as cyclists this weekend with over 1,500 riders set to hit roads around the peninsula.
Waikato Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman is 'peddling' the importance of driver awareness and the exercising of patience by drivers who intend travelling between Tairua- Thames, and Whitianga this Saturday.
"The main event is the eighth annual K2 Cycle Race that takes off from Buffalo Beach Rd, Whitianga at 7.45am.
"These riders will be on the Whitianga-Coromandel Rd for the next two hours with the front riders expected to come through Coromandel about 9.25am and the last about 11.am"
Race leaders are expected in Thames about 10.30am as they head over the Kopu Hikuai Hill towards Tairua.
Meanwhile about 700 riders in the K1 Race will head off from Albert St Thames between 11.45am and 12.15pm.
In addition 100 riders competing in the QK Race will head off from Grey Ave Tairua at 9.30am.
"Basically motorists can expect to encounter groups of cyclists on various stretches of road from between 7.45am through to about 5pm.
"Waikato Police will have lead vehicles in front of the racers in each group and these will be followed by race organiser's lead cars, what we're asking is that should you encounter these lead vehicles heading towards you- pull over until the peloton has passed."
Mr Tooman said with riders competing from New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Europe the K2 Race was an excellent opportunity to showcase the region.
"Last year the event was marred by a serious crash and both Police and race organisers have worked to ensure a more visible, safer event.
"This event has been a great success for the region and we want to ensure it continues to be so. To do this cyclists need to abide by the rules and motorists need to keep their wits about them and execute sound judgement," said Mr Tooman.
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