By Jonews Reporter
WITH careful planning and efficient administration by the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Tranport Department and race organisers, this year's Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge is well on the way to becoming the world's largest timed mass participation cycling event.
Voted Race of the Year at the Pick 'n Pay Cyclist of the Year Awards in 2003, the organisers are determined to enhance the experience and expect a record number of entrants on Sunday, 21 November.
Events Manager for the City of Johannesburg, Bongi Mokaba said: "The City is thrilled to once again be involved in this event. It demonstrates to the world the infrastructure Joburg has and adds to our objective of showcasing Joburg as the sporting capital of South Africa."
The event has been planned with close attention to detail and full co-operation between all parties involved to ensure that the residents of Joburg are aware of road closures and that motorists will be provided with alternative routes.
For the first time in the history of the race, the route will remain the same as last year - which gives serious cyclists the opportunity to race against their previous time. Professional riders who qualify will ride an extended 180 km route, leaving the regular route just before the turn onto the N14 on the Lanseria road, and rejoining on the N14 Lanseria onramp after doing an extra 85km towards Hartbeespoort.
Technical partners, Midrand Country Cyclists, will ensure that the Cycle Challenge is compliant with all cycling rules and regulations and will play a major role in controlling the start, route, finish and behind-the-scenes logistics.
Commenting on the fastest growing lifestyle sport in South Africa, cycling expert Andrew McLean said: "The growth of cycling as a sport and the proliferation of cycling clinics has been phenomenal, thanks in no small measure to the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge."
The Cycle Challenge, in association with professionals from Cycle Lab, hold free training clinics for Cycle Challenge entrants at the cycle safe centres sponsored by Pick 'n Pay and Liberty at AA Kyalami Race Track and Wesbank Raceway. The clinics cover all aspects of training and preparation needed for the Cycle Challenge and teach all techniques of the sport. The clinics begin on 25 August and are held every Wednesday until the Cycle Challenge.
The event is already becoming a major force for tourism in Joburg with huge benefits and spin-offs for the local economy.
"Cycle Challenge provides a huge boost for the economy of Johannesburg and Gauteng. It has generated jobs in the cycling industry, including shops, gyms, manufacturing, as well as providing temporary employment to thousands in the build-up. This year we are encouraging cyclists to join cycle clubs to boost their membership," said race organiser Tanya Harford, who this year encouraged new cyclists to buy a bike and join a club and reap the benefits of the club structure in training, tips and group rides.
The Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge also supports the Homeless Talk pre-school in Joubert Park, which provides day care for the children of Homeless Talk newspaper vendors. In line with the Cycle Challenge's social responsibility programme which promotes making cycling accessible to all, previously disadvantaged and disabled cyclists are given complimentary entry. Last year 546 free entries were admitted in this manner.
Part of the build-up to the main race is the Children's Cycle Challenge, which should attract 3500 participants on the Saturday, 20 November, the Team Time Trial on Friday, 19 November and the Cycle Challenge Experience - currently the biggest cycling and health-related showcase in Gauteng, which runs from 18 to 20 November at the AA Kyalami Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The first race for two- to six-year-olds is just less than one kilometre long and takes place on the Go-Kart Circuit. Riders in the seven- to 11-year-old category will be riding just under five kilometres, and a new Two-Time Crew (for 11-13 years) section aims to provide pre- and just-teens perfect preparation for the main challenge.
"Although this is a fun, non-competitive event, the aim is to get children ready to ride on main roads and is as close to the big race as possible. We follow the same safety standards while also giving out medals and race numbers," explained Gaylene Campbell, Children's Challenge organiser:
Phil Liggett, international commentator known as the Voice of Cycling and who has been quoted as saying the Cycle Challenge is the best cycling event of its sort in the world, will once again be there to provide a running commentary. "For me one of the best things about the Challenge is the children's race the day before. It is thrilling to watch them develop into the cyclists of the future. There are plenty of potential Lance Armstrong's among them," said Liggett.
Summing up the spirit of the race, Pick 'n Pay's Marketing Director Jonathan Ackerman said: "It is a great race and a great sport. I've said it before: doing good is good business and here we are raising money for the underprivileged people in Johannesburg and this race is an incredible platform for raising that awareness."
Online entries opened in March and already 6000 cyclists have entered. The closing date for entries is 30 September. Entry forms are available at www.highveld.co.za, at selected Pick 'n Pay stores and at leading cycling shops. The entry fee is R165 for adults, and R40 for children.
For more information go to www.highveld.co.za or call the Race Office on 011 463 2743.
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