As well as the rider re-supply challenge, there's potentially an ethical issue in sending 80 locust-like cyclists into an area with 1 small shop in a few hundred km. Taking the food that locals are relying on would make it unsustainable as an event.
What is the resupply situation like? Literally a small shop for 500k? That could definitely prove unworkable unless Nelson pre-warns them or there turns out to be other options.
That's what the wolves are for. What, you're vegetarian, no knife, oh well...
:P