Expect disruptions near Taupo this weekend, as the worlds best high endurance athletes converge for the Ironman World Champs

Around 6-thousand are expected to be competing in the triathlon series.

State Highway 5 between Wairakei and Golden Springs will be closed from 6am to 5pm over the weekend, with detours available.

New Zealand Transport Agency's Andrew Brosnan says there also could be many cyclists practicing on other roads.

He says motorists should drive carefully, because many are visiting from overseas and won't be familiar on our roads.

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