Cycle Classic promises speed, action and fun
High-speed racing returns to Johannesburg this autumn with the seventh edition of the increasingly popular Emperors Palace Cycling Classic, which is presented in association with Acsa OR Tambo International Airport.
The annual cycling spectacular starts with the popular mountain bike component on Saturday, April 12, and continues with the road and criterium races the following day.
Traditionally held in jam-packed February, the bumper weekend was moved to a less congested slot last year and attracted more than 6 000 riders across all events.
Race director Wynand de Villiers says the organisers are again expecting a capacity turnout.
“This event fills an important niche on the racing calendar and gives riders in all disciplines something to train for before the winter chill sets in,” says de Villiers.
De Villiers says mountain bikers in the 20km and 40km races will again experience a little jet propulsion, as the routes crossed the grounds of the OR Tambo International Airport.
“They ride parallel to, but at a safe distance from, the runways. The thrill of hearing those powerful aircraft engines is one of the major attractions of this event.”
On the roadside, the 102km feature route remains unchanged for the fifth consecutive year.
“We have had lots of positive feedback from riders, so we decided not to mess with a winning formula.”
De Villiers describes the route as “fast, flat and exciting, and very manageable”.
Last year, David Maree won the race for Team Abantu (formerly Tasol-GT) in a nail-biting three-man sprint to the line.
With more than 100 metro police officers and 200 marshals on duty, the event is also one of the safest in Gauteng.
For those who are not ready to tackle the full distance, there is a 50km short-course option.
The feature races will be followed by the ever-popular Kids Classic for children between two and eight years.
The racing action culminates in the Circuit Spectacular, a 30-minute criterium that sees South Africa’s top roadies burning rubber as they do laps around the top level of the Emperors Palace parking lot.
“This is something that no real cycling enthusiast wants to miss. It’s a rare opportunity to see a real European-style kermesse,” says De Villiers.
Entertainment will be provided by the casino resort.
For more information, contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or e-mail eventsupport@asgworld.co.za.
Also visit www.facebook.com/emperorsclassic or @emperorsclassic for updates.
Entries for the events are open on www.cycleevents.co.za.
