In a bold move to stimulate Gauteng cycling through winter, various leading bicycle shops and wholesalers have teamed up with PowerAde Dome2Dome organisers, 2One4 Events, to present the Winter Challenge on 24 June.
The Extravaganza, aimed at keeping as many cyclists as possible on their bikes throughout winter, caters for all levels and disciplines with a 70km road race, 30km Mountain Bike challenge as well as a road race/mountain bike (MTB) combination event , with a few other action sports thrown in for good measure.
2One4’s experience in hosting events like the PowerAde Dome2Dome made them take up the opportunity to fill the winter void, which would also serve their purpose of keeping the industry turning over in the lead-up to the massive Dome2Dome in September.
The event starts and finishes at Glenburn Lodge in the Cradle of Humankind (just off Beyers Naude Drive), and it’s a very popular conferencing and wedding venue.
Until recently the venue could only be accessed via a gravel road. The last six months, however, have seen many roads in the famous Cradle of Humankind being tarred, and the majority of the gentle 70km road race will take place on these newly surfaced roads.
The event on the day will cater for the entire family. Kids can play while spectators watch from the comfort of their seats on grass embankments.
Cameras on the route will capture all the excitement of the race. The Winter Challenge boasts four sub-events, that form part of the festival.
They are:
Winter Challenge, 70km Road (Tar) and 30km MTB (Dirt)
Winter Team Challenge, one cyclist 70km Tar and other 30km Dirt
Winter Tar, 70km Road Race only
Winter Dirt, 30km MTB only
The Winter Challenge is the main event with the organisers trying to bridge the ever-narrowing divide between road racing and mountain-biking. This event will start at 7:30.
Riders will return to the race venue and either continue with their mountain bikes towards the second section of the race, or enter the transition area where they will change over from their road bikes to their mountain bikes to take on the second section. The mountain bike section comprises a largely non-technical 30km off road section.
During the transition, helpers will assist participants rack their road bike at a designated spot, and hand them their mountain bikes. For this process to run smoothly, riders’ race numbers will be called out as they enter the transition area. Helpers assigned to certain areas will respond to this, and help participants accordingly.
The Winter Team Challenge will run over the same course, but will consist of two team members; one member will complete the tar section, and the other the dirt. The time frame will remain the same, but prize money allocation will be separate to the main event.
The Winter Tar is for participants who don’t fancy getting their bikes dirty. These riders will only complete section one of the event, and will leave at 8:00. Riders will be able to rack their bikes in the transition area, and watch the rest of the action while relaxing.
The Winter Dirt event is the MTB-only section on offer. Riders will complete only the second section of the course and will depart at 8:30 in a "Le Mans" type start. The main reason for the start time is to allow the leaders of the Winter Challenge main event to pass through and have a clear road ahead.
Quick Facts:
Venue: Glenburn Lodge
Date: Sunday 24 June 2007
Events: Winter Challenge, 70km Road (Tar) and 30km MTB (Dirt)
Winter Team Challenge, one cyclist 70km Tar and other 30km Dirt
Winter Tar, 70km Road Race only
Winter Dirt, 30km MTB only
Toddler and Kiddies Tricycle/Run/Walk race and Kiddies Play area
Timing: ChampionChip
Medals to all finishers, and Winter Challenge riders will receive a different
Medal.
Starting times and entry fees:
Winter Challenge: 07:30 (70km Tar and 30km Dirt) R130
Winter Team Challenge: 07:30 (one cyclist 70km Tar and other 30km Dirt) R140
Winter Tar: 08:00 (70km Road Race only) R90
Winter Dirt: 08:30 (30km MTB only) R50
Toddler and Kiddies Tricycle/Run/Walk race (free access to Kiddies play area) R20
Kiddies Play area: 09:00 R20
Winter Tandem Tar: 08:00 (70km Road Race only) R180
Winter Tandem Dirt: 08:30 (30km MTB only) R100
Entries for the event are open on the CycleLab website, and close on 10 June 2007. A late entry penalty of R50 will apply.
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