Tshwane Classic route a tourist attraction
The Tshwane Classic will be unique on the South African cycle calendar as it will also be a tourist route which will run past several historic beacons in Pretoria.
As the nation’s capital, Pretoria has a rich historical legacy which the city fathers are keen to promote when the Tshwane Classic road cycling race is held on 5 November.
The organisers have big plans for the 98km road classic, which they aim to grow into one of the big city races in the country.
Besides the racing aspect, which will see total road closure to ensure rider safety, race spokesman Mauritz Meyer, said they also wanted to promote the historical significance of Pretoria.
“There are a number of famous landmarks along the route and we are working with the municipality to create awareness of these among those who are riding,” said Meyer.
His view was backed up by Tshwane executive mayor Solly Msimanga, who said the metro had thrown its weight behind the race to make it one to remember.
In illustrating a significant connection between Pretoria and cycling, the mayor referenced the historical role of bicycles in the history of South Africa.
“During the South African war (1899-1902), Commander Danie Theron asked permission from the ZAR (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) to establish a bicycle corps to use for scouting instead of horses. The role of Pretoria in the history of South Africa is significant as it was the capital of the ZAR. Then it became the capital of the Union of South Africa (in 1910) and is presently capital of the new democratic Republic of South Africa,” said Msimanga.
Meyer outlined a number of the significant landmarks, starting with the Voortrekker Monument, which will be the start and finish venue for the race.
“The building by architect Gerhard Moerdijk was completed in 1948 to honour the Voortrekkers who had left the Cape and travelled north in the first half of the 19th century,” he said.
The riders will also go past the Kgosi Mampuru ll Correctional Centre, which was formerly known as the Pretoria Central Prison.
Meyer said the route would take cyclists past the Kruger statue in the centre of Church Square, the Union Buildings, which house the executive arm of the government and were designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913 and a statue of Nelson Mandela, first president of the democratic South Africa, which stands at the front of the buildings.
Another major landmark on the route is Freedom Park. It was completed in 2004 and is a memorial to honour those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
Msimanga said they wanted to welcome all cyclists to their historical city.
“As you can see, the city has many interesting attractions and places of historical value. This race will be unique on the South African cycle calendar as it will also be a tourist route,” Msimanga concluded.
Go to www.tshwaneclassic.co.za for more information.
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