Germiston cycling enthusiasts can dust their bikes and pump their tyres, because high-speed racing returns to Johannesburg this autumn, with the seventh edition of the increasingly popular Emperors Palace Cycling Classic.<\/p>\n
The Classic is presented in association with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) OR Tambo International Airport.<\/p>
The annual cycling spectacular, east of Johannesburg, starts with the popular mountain-bike component on April 12, and continues with the road and criterium races the following day.<\/p>\n
Traditionally held in jam-packed February, the bumper weekend was moved to a less congested slot last year, and attracted more than 6 000 riders across all events.<\/p>
“The organisers are again expecting a capacity turnout; this event fills an important niche on the racing calendar and gives riders in all disciplines something to train for before the winter chill sets in,” said race director Wynand de Villiers.<\/p>\n
De Villiers says mountain bikers in the 20km and 40km races will again experience a little jet propulsion, as the routes cross the grounds of the OR Tambo International Airport.<\/p>\n
“They ride parallel to, but at a safe distance from the runways; the thrill of hearing those powerful aircraft engines is one of the major attractions of this event,” said de Villiers.<\/p>\n
“We have had lots of positive feedback from riders, so we decided not to mess with a winning formula.”<\/p>\n
On the road side, the 102km feature route remains unchanged for the fifth consecutive year.<\/p>\n
De Villiers describes the route as fast, flat and exciting, and very manageable.<\/p>\n
Last year, David Maree won the race for Team Abantu (formerly Tasol-GT) in a nail-biting three-man sprint to the line.<\/p>\n
With more than 100 Metro Police officers and 200 marshals on duty, the event is also one of the safest in Gauteng.<\/p>\n
For those who are not ready to tackle the full distance, there is a 50km short-course option.<\/p>\n
The feature races will be followed by the ever-popular Children’s Classic, for children between two and eight years of age.<\/p>\n
The racing action culminates in the Circuit Spectacular, a 30-minute criterium that sees South Africa’s top roadies burning rubber as they do laps around the top level of the Emperors Palace parking lot.<\/p>\n
“This is something that no real cycling enthusiast wants to miss; it’s a rare opportunity to see a real European-style kermesse,” added de Villiers.<\/p>\n
Entertainment will be provided by the casino resort, and de Villiers says the Classic offers the ideal weekend break for the whole family.<\/p>\n
Registration takes place at Cycle Lab Fourways on the Thursday (April 10), from 10am to 4pm, and at a conference venue at Emperors Palace on the Friday (April 11), from 10am to 4pm, and on the Saturday (April 12), from 9am to3pm.<\/p>\n
To enter, visit the website on www.cycleevents.co.za.<\/p>\n
For more information contact ASG Events on 076 621 1807 or send an e-mail to eventsupport@asgworld.co.za.<\/p>\n
Go to www.facebook.com\/emperorsclassic or @emperorsclassic for updates.<\/p>\n