Berge en Dale Cycle Classic tests riders

The Rudy Project Berge en Dale Cycling Classic on the West Rand will take place on 6 February. It is scheduled a week before the South African road championships.

“Everyone will be looking for a good result a week before the nationals and many riders are working toward the Cape Town Cycle Challenge,” said RoadCover team manager, Nic White. Even though the featured race, which starts and finishes at Cradlestone Shopping Mall in Muldersdrift, is relatively short at 102km, White believes that it offers much benefit to those who are looking forward to the rest of the year.

White, who won the veterans category in 2015, said that the route was undulating, but not too hilly and would suit riders who could escape on their own or sprint well from small groups. He added that the route is similar to last year, with the toughest parts at the beginning. “Everyone has a strategy, but there are many scenarios, so you must be able to change your plans,” said White.

In the absence of Mpumalanga Cycle Tour winner, Willie Smith who was third last year, but is currently competing in France, the team will be looking to road captain Bradley Potgieter and Mark van der Merwe in the tean vehicle to call the shots as the race unfolds. Potgieter leads a young squad that includes Clint Hendricks, a fast finisher who has been on the podium several times already. They will be supported by Stuart Fitzpatrick who rose to prominence last year, Kent Main and time-trial specialist, Gustav Basson.

After the race, presented by Optimum Financial Services, the country’s top riders will transfer to the Silverstar Casino to take part in the first leg of the new ProTouch Cycling Club Criterium Series.

The usual route has been slightly changed to ensure riders’ safety, because of the road works on the N14 and R28. Route director Darren Herbst said the decision was made to divert the race from its traditional course towards the end. “Riders will take a detour off Beyers Naudé after Valverde Country Hotel to access Muldersdrift from the opposite side via the Cradle road past Kloofzicht Lodge,” concluded Herbst.

Details: Full Stop Communications, 041 368 4992.

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