A PRESTIGIOUS, traditional road cycle event, the annual road cycle event Rand Water Race for Victory, is now in its 19th year since inception and will once again take place on Sunday September 21.
Sponsored by Rand Water, the Race for Victory is well recognised on the national cycling calendar as being a challenging and well organised event. Not only does Rand Water sponsor the event, but the staff provides valuable assistance in terms of water points and logistical support.
The various routes and distances on offer, 150km, 110km and 54km, encompass the well known southern roads of Gauteng, with the start and finish venue being the Rand Water Zwartkopjies, a pumping station situated just 15km south of Johannesburg. This is a popular training ground for local cyclists.
The Elite and Professional riders cover 150km distance, with the steep uphills and rapid descents of the scenic Suikersbosrand Nature Reserve being the main obstacle of their route. The best racing cyclists in South Africa regard the route as being of an international standard, and the winner is undoubtedly a deserved one.
Past winners include familiar names such as Darryl Impey of Tour De France fame, Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg, Darren Lill, Nic White, Malcolm Lange and 2013 defending champion, Calvin Beneke.
In addition to the 150km distance, there are 110km and 54km races which offer both a challenge and a reward.
The 110km event, held on undulating roads in the Meyerton/Henley on Klip area, is a premier seeding event for the 2015 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour in Cape Town, and the 94. 7 Momentum Cycle Challenge in November later this year.
Racing ladies, veterans, juniors, under 16’s as well as all the open seeded cyclists will be catered for with R70 000 prize money up for grabs. The prize money for the King of the Mountain is sponsored by Dimension Data.
The 54km distance offers the ideal distance for recreational and less fit cyclists.
A special corporate or “group section” in the 110km distance is also catered for and groups/clubs/companies are encouraged to enter. The idea of this category is to stimulate unity and teamwork within a group without being “ultra competitive”.
All funds and proceeds of the day go towards Frances Vorwerg School, which caters for learners with physical and learning disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. The school is situated in Haddon in the South of Johannesburg.
Other sponsors who contribute greatly are Suzuki @ i POP Johannesburg South, GWM, Netcare 911, Netcare Union Hospital, Coca-Cola, Devin Signs, The Glen Shopping Centre and Suikersbosrand Nature Reserve.
Entries are now open. Go to www.raceforvictory.co.za to enter online. Entrants must be members of CSA.
