The second leg of the ProTouch Cycling Club National Criterium Series, which is held in conjunction with the Emperors Palace Road Classic on Sunday, April 10, will mark a return to the famous old circuit featuring the Chariots Statue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support of Emperors Palace has allowed us to reinstate the traditional route that enables spectators to witness the thrills of criterium racing at close quarters,\u201d said Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events.<\/p>
\u201cNot only have we received permission to remove the speed bumps on the route, the Gautrain buses will also be diverted for the two-hour period of the criterium to ensure an uninterrupted flow of racing.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Villiers said the criterium at Emperors had been running for nine years, but formed part of the new Liberty-supported series for the first time.<\/p>
\u201cIn the past we limited the stand-alone race to an elite field of 30 riders, but the series now incorporates all CSA-licensed categories.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the success of the first leg that took place alongside the Berge en Dale Classic in February, Tony Harding of ProTouch Sports anticipates a great vibe at the event, which follows directly after the 98km feature race.<\/p>\n
He said criteriums were fast and furious and added tremendous crowd value.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne can almost reach out and touch the riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlike normal road races where you only see the start and finish, the lap format on a closed circuit allows you to watch a complete race unfold before your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He believes criterium racing was the perfect add-on to road races and afforded the country\u2019s top riders an opportunity to showcase their skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need this type of racing to display their talent.<\/p>\n
\u201cTight circuits featuring lots of starts and stops suit riders with good bike-handling skills and lots of power.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harding said there would be a ProTouch Cycling Club Chill Zone presented by Liberty on the day and they welcomed enquiries as to the benefits of joining the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cLiberty has identified a large number of their client base as cyclists and it makes sense for them to get involved in a virtual club in what is still one of the fastest-growing sports in the country,\u201d Harding said.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.asgevents.co.za or find the race on Facebook.<\/p>\n
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