Cyclists from all over Joburg will unite on Sunday, November 18, with just one goal in mind – to reclaim the streets of Joburg for a day in celebration of one of the greatest loved sporting events of the year.
From modest beginnings with only 4 500 cyclists in 1997, the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge – three time winner of the Best Road Race of the Year at the Pick ‘n Pay Go Banking Cyclist of the Year Awards – has increased steadily year on year to become the massive event it is today.
The race is now considered the second largest timed mass participation cycling event in the world – a mammoth achievement.
Now in its 11th year, Cycle Challenge Sunday promises to be an unforgettable day in the saddle and will, as always, provide a secure and controlled environment for all types of riders, of all skill levels.
The race route remains the same as last year and will offer complete road closure along the route to ensure the safety of all cyclists, spectators and motorists.
Steps have been implemented to vastly improve this year’s finish line at the Waterfall Equestrian Estate. Cyclists will be drawn off the R55 once they have completed the race and will ride up a specially constructed road into the estate and cross the back up timing mats.
They will receive their medals and proceed to the final Energade water point where they will have the option of leaving their bikes in the bike park and going to the medical tent or for a physio rub down.
There will also be an area where cyclists who have finished the race can sit down and relax and talk (or boast!) about their racing experiences, as well as shuttle services for riders wanting to go to the parking areas, and spectators needing transport from the start or parking area to the finish.
An incredible line-up of entertainment is scheduled for the day with live bands and beer tents at selected areas. The festivities and the live TV broadcast will again be hosted by Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, who are known as the ‘Voices of Cycling’ to the world’s English speaking countries.
There is also talk of a legendary cyclist coming out to South Africa to race in the Cycle Challenge, but organisers have vowed to keep mum until the big day. And, as an added incentive, everyone who has completed all ten years of the event will receive a special gold number to sport on the day in recognition of their support of the event.
“In short we are planning a true celebration of cycling and that’s why it is important that the cyclists do stay after finishing their ride,” said Tanya Harford, race organiser.
“The race has grown rapidly in the past decade, with a whopping 27 000 riders participating in last year’s event. This year, we’re hoping to rally up even more cyclists and put on a really quality ride and experience.”
Dubbed Joburg’s Safest Race – the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge has received recognition from all corners of the cycling fraternity, including the International Governing Body of Cycling; and internationally renowned cycling commentator Phil Liggett and respected journalist Jeff Quenet, who branded the race ‘the best-organised event in Africa’.
“We are incredibly proud to be a part of the race,” said Bongi Makaba, director of City of Joburg events. “Seeing the race grow over the years has been gratifying. We take pride in the infrastructure that the City has invested to ensure that everyone benefits. I would like to wish all the cyclists safe riding and I hope that everyone enjoys themselves.”
Each year, hundreds of new participants take up the challenge of completing the 94.7km route, and thousands more spectators line the route to cheer on the cyclists.
“Cycle Challenge Sunday is a day when the city celebrates the sport of cycling, and Joburg welcomes everyone to view it from a different perspective – on two wheels instead of four,” said Dex de Bruin, group marketing manager of 94.7 Highveld Stereo.
“The full road closure means that serious competitive cyclists, as well as thousands of recreational cyclists can participate in this safe, fun event. We invite all our listeners to be part of one of the biggest annual mass participation sporting events in Joburg, whether they’re cycling or supporting the cyclists, everyone can be involved in the action on the day.
“The residents of Joburg have accepted this event as their own, and support it from start to finish. Many new friendships are formed by participants and supporters on the day, and that sense of belonging that’s created through an event like the Cycle Challenge is exactly what we want to achieve from the radio stations perspective.”
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