THE annual Rand Water Race for Victory Cycle Classic will take place over the weekend of September 9 and 10. This, for many recreational and racing cyclists, will be their first event of the Spring season. Rand Water Board and the various supporting sponsors have once again committed themselves to supporting the Frances Vorwerg School for physically and learning disabled children through their generous sponsorship of this major event.
A new and exciting addition to the weekend of “traditional road cycling” will be the introduction of a mountain bike day to be held on Saturday.
The start and finish venue for both the MTB and road events will once again take place at the famed Willkie Circus tent near Daleside which is centrally situated between Johannesburg and Vereeniging.
The MTB route offers two distances over 20km and 50km on relatively flat terrain in the area. There are a few obstacles of course. All categories are catered for and it is an officially sanctioned event with prize monies on offer as well.
On Sunday the beautiful and tough Suikerbosrand Nature reserve will once again provide the backdrop for the battlefield for the Elite riders. Not only will a King of the Mountain (KOM) prize be up for grabs for the best climber in the Reserve, but a further R70 000 in cash, besides product prizes, will be available for the serious riders. Past winners include a list of illustrious riders such as Darryl Impey (of Tour de France fame), Malcolm Lange, Reinie Janse van Rensburg (Tour de France fame), Calvin Beneke and of course the defending champion of 2016 Nolan Hoffman of the BCX team. One can remember how the fierce cold winds experienced in 2016 forced the Elite race’s distance to be shortened.
Many pundits view this race as traditionally the toughest one-day event, over a distance of 150km on the South African calendar and it does represent a selection event for South Africa’s best talent.
The shorter route for the 110km Classic distance will see the riders take in the undulating scenic areas of the Midvaal area (Henley on Klip, Walkerville, Meyerton), but as per normal, the seasonal winds could be a major obstacle. The not-so-fit riders will be able to enjoy a nice 54km ride along similar territory.
As per normal, the event is a qualifying event for all the major events across the country and riders are encouraged to enter early on the website www.raceforvictory.co.za with pre-race entries closing two weeks prior to that. Late entries will also be taken. Close to 4 000 cyclists are expected to participate on the weekend.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
