Local athlete and Comrades legend Barry Holland is bringing another first to the Dolphin Coast with the three day Liberty 250 cycling and MTB race.
South Africa’s newest most exciting Team Road Cycle racing and Team Moutain Bike racing event will be held from August 10-12 at Sugar Rush Park and promises to be one for the books.
“The Dolphin Coast has never had a major stage cycle race before so I thought this was a wonderful opportunity,” said Holland, who’s brainchild the Liberty 250 is. “This is our race, this is chance to show off our beautiful home.”
The Liberty 250 is a three day Team Road Cycling stage race through the spectacular scenery of the rolling farmlands on the North Coast.
Teams of two to four cyclists will compete over 123km on day one, 87km on day two and 40km on day three.
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The first two days feature several King of the Mountain sections and day three features a challenging sprint. Meanwhile, the Liberty 150 is a three day Team MTB stage race over new and existing trails of the magnificent Holla Trails based at Sugar Rush Park. Teams of two will tackle 65km on day one, 53km on day two and 32km on the final day.
The team concept is common in mountain biking in South Africa with almost all of the major off-road stage races employing the two-man partnerships with the slower rider’s time being used as the stage time.
However, for road riders the team concept is relatively rare, particularly for those riders who have never been part of a pro team, and in many cases only those who have ridden in a team time trial will have experienced proper team tactics on the road.
All events offer male, female and mixed team categories as well as a solo option.
Both events will be timed and the entry fee includes your timing chip in the race pack.
The race pack represents fantastic value for money and includes a high quality race top, a meal and drinks on a daily basis together with a goody bag.
Medals will be awarded to all finishers. Holland told the Courier they had also made provision for the ‘weekend warriors’ who may not quite be up to the full three day race.
“We have added another category for just the last day in both the road and trail events so everyone can take place – even if you are not a hardcore cyclist.”
Entry for the Liberty Cycle race can be completed at www.theroc.co.za. Entry costs R1500 per cyclist or R200 per entry into the final day open category event.
The race is supporting the amazing LIV Village, so don’t feel shy to fork out your share in supporting them. August 9 is a public holiday making this event ideal for family & friends to make the most of a “sporty” long weekend. For any queries, contact Barry Holland at 083 252 0691.
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