October 29, 2007
By Lesego Madumo
THERE will be a detour on Boundary Road in Honeydew during this year's Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge because of extensive roadworks, organisers have said.
The detour would be implemented to ensure cyclists' safety, they added. About 25 000 riders have signed up to take part in this year's instalment of the prestigious race, which takes place on Jozi streets on Sunday, 18 November.
It is the second largest annual cycling event of its kind in the world, and the biggest mass-participation, timed sporting event. It has two races - a 180km race for professional riders and a 94,7km race for amateurs.
The detour takes the riders off Northumberland Avenue at Aureole Road, joining Boundary Road further along. The original route goes down Northumberland Avenue past Northgate Shopping Centre. This means that the halfway point of the race is now at the intersection of Aureole Road and Northumberland Avenue; the route has a steep gradient and is downhill at Aureole Road.
"We've had to modify the route slightly to accommodate the developments taking place along Boundary Road and to ensure the safety of the cyclists," said Tanya Harford, the race organiser.
New finish line
In another small change, she said that instead of finishing inside Waterfall Equestrian Estate, as initially planned, cyclists would now cross the finish line at Maxwell Drive, just outside the estate, from where they would be directed to a hospitality area.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused," she said, explaining that the organisers had everybody's best interests in mind. On the day, participants, seconds and spectators could expect a well-organised, safe, and exciting event, including full medical and security back-up, Harford promised.
Despite the detour, the race is still 94,7km long - and there will be full road closure on the day. A full list of road closures and a detailed route map can be downloaded from the Cycle Challenge website. The route map includes a fully interactive route finder, which maps the route that should be taken to reach the finish line.
Permission to close roads for the race has been granted by the Johannesburg metro police department.
Plan ahead
Harford urged drivers and pedestrians to become familiar with the affected routes and to plan their routes on the day accordingly. The safety of cyclists and motorists was paramount. Metro police, the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the Gauteng department of public transport, roads and works would monitor the roads.
Affected roads include the R55 from the intersection of Maxwell and Woodmead drives to the Summit Road intersection. They will be closed from 4.30am until 4.30pm and no vehicles will be allowed to cross during this time.
"The face of Johannesburg is changing rapidly, with many new housing developments going up, like Cosmo City and Jackal Creek developments along that part of the Cycle Challenge route. This presents new challenges every year, but we strive to accommodate everybody involved, from the cyclists participating to the residents along the route," she said.
In addition to the main races, there is a Children's Cycle Challenge, presented by Spur Steak Ranches. More than 4 000 children from two to 15 are expected to participate. Some 2 500 riders are expected to take part in the Mountain Bike Challenge, along a tough, specially designed mountain bike track.
The Children's Cycle Challenge is held a day earlier
These races take place a day before the main event, on Saturday, 17 November.
The Cycle Challenge expo and race registration runs from Thursday, 15 November to Saturday, 17 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton. This year the expo - believed to be the biggest health and cycling exhibition in the province - is expected to attract up to 50 000 visitors.
Sports heroes
Among the prominent figures taking part this year is Lance Armstrong, who won the Tour de France seven times. He will be joined by Team Barloworld, which is led by Robbie Hunter, a stage winner in this year's Tour de France.
"We're proud to be hosting Tour de France stage winner Robbie Hunter and his Team Barloworld team mates in an exciting charity ride, where funds will be raised for the Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge benefiting charity," Harford said.
Although Team Barloworld is in its off-season, its riders have pledged to take "a gentle ride around the route with anyone who wishes to join" them in their special charity group. Hunter and his team can be joined for R1 800.
"We're also expecting great racing from the professional riders this year, as they compete in the final race of the season."
For the first time, the Cycle Challenge will be screened live on SuperSport, with Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, the popular Tour de France commentators.
The Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge is now in its eleventh year; it is supported by the City. The race is a circuit from Woodmead in the north to Newtown in the city centre, and back. The route goes through Parktown, over the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein, up Jan Smuts Avenue and through Diepsloot.
It is held to raise money for the city's needy, with 77 percent of its net profit earmarked for social responsibility programmes. Charities that will benefit include the Homeless Talk pre-school in Joubert Park, a day care facility for the children of Homeless Talk vendors. The race is sponsored by Pick 'n Pay and 94.7 Highveld Stereo.
For more information, contact the race office on 011 463 2743.
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