Motorists heading to Taupo are being asked to travel with caution as the Great Lake Cycle Challenge around Lake Taupo gets underway on Saturday.

The annual event is expected to see in excess of 10,000 people with a variety of levels and abilities.

Taupo Road Policing Group Senior Sergeant Fane Troy says all motorists travelling around Lake Taupo should take extra care due to the increased number of cyclists.

Fane says wherever possible people should avoid travelling along State Highway 1, 32 and 41.

'If people do have to travel, please be prepared for delays and be patient if they encounter cyclists.

'Traffic management plans and marshalls will be in place around the course.”

Fane says there are a small number of enduro riders who will be completing up to eight laps of the Lake Taupo course.

'These riders will have support vehicles but motorists need to be aware that these competitors are on the course prior to tomorrow.”