Leading New Zealand rider Julian Dean is taking the chance to give something back to the cycling community by riding in tonight's Lake Taupo Elite Street Race.

Dean will race in the criterium style event, which is a prelude to tomorrow's 160 kilometre race around the lake. He says it is a rare opportunity to race at home.

Dean says it will be nice to be part of what has become an iconic competition.

He says he had to run it by his pro tour team for insurance purposes, but is looking forward to the fast, furious style of racing.