The Triathlon Associations main cycle race known as the TurtlesTees Tour de Raro will be held today starting at 4.45pm opposite the Goldmine Shop in the town centre.

Last year 87 cyclists took to the start line, up from 44 entrants in 2009 and 55 in 2008. The event is kindly sponsored by long time supporter TurtlesTees Sportswear.

It is expected that around 50 riders will enter in spite of windy conditions likely to make cycling difficult this afternoon.

The race leaders are expected to achieve a time of around 45 minutes.

Cyclists should note that several groups of riders spaced a few hundred metres apart will form in the first few kilometres of the race depending on riders abilities.

Cyclists are asked to order themselves on the start line with the expected fastest riders at the front and the slower near the rear.

This race goes clockwise around the island the opposite direction to the triathlon cycle.

Please take extra care in the first two kilometres of the race especially at the roundabout through to Tupapa village due to traffic islands and intersections there.

Under triathlon association rules, cyclist are not allowed to use aero bars when riding within the peloton group.

Aero bars may be used once riders have been reduced to groups of four or less.

If conditions remain windy, extra care will be required by all riders. Avoid following too close to other riders and be especially wary of sideways movement in the wind gusts.

Cyclists might best position themselves behind rather than beside.

A police motorcycle escort will proceed 50 metres in front of the leading riders.

The race record is 42 minutes 16 seconds by Luke Bell of Australia set in 2002. The local record is 44:38 by Geoff Stoddart.

The open womens record is 45:44 set by Cathy McManus of New Zealand and the local womens record is 45:47 held by Jennie George.

This year the triathlon association has arranged electronic timing of the race by Sports Timing New Zealand Ltd under the skilled management of Richard and Stuart.

An ankle strapped transponder will be allocated to each rider.

The finish line arrangements are that the inside lane of the Maire Nui drive will be coned off from vehicle traffic further back to enable cyclists to finish across the timing mats placed on the inside lane only.

Cyclists are asked to gather at the start line area from 3.45pm to have their names on the start board and receive their transponder.

Cyclists not entered and paid as part of the full triathlon package can still do so today, including booking for the after race barbeque meal at the Edgewater Resort & Spa.

Within an hour of start time, most riders will have circled the island and be ready to wind down at the after race function and prize-giving to be held at the Edgewater Resort & Spa from 7.30pm.