In a big boost for South Africa cycling the PowerAde Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular has become the first commercially owned single day cycle race in South Africa to attain sanctioning from world cycling's governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The men's elite race now forms part of the UCI Africa Tour and it has elevated the status of the event immensely with more foreign participation and an international race referee being flown in to take care of proceedings on the day.
The men's race will also offer more prize money with almost R50 000 now on offer to meet the UCI's prize fund requirements.
The elite event takes place on 16 September and forms part of a weekend sports festival and Sports Expo at Northgate's Coca Cola Dome.
Until now the only single day road race in South Africa in which riders could earn UCI points has been the National Championships. The only other road event that carried UCI sanctioning was the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Giro del Capo stage race.
"This is really going to benefit South African cycling in a significant way," said former national team manager Tony Harding.
"It's very difficult to qualify our riders to ride at the World Championships and Olympic Games because they have to travel all over the world to earn enough UCI points.
"The Dome2Dome has taken the first step in this regard and hopefully the other major South African single day races will follow suit. This will open an avenue for riders to earn points on home soil and will ultimately go a long way in strengthening the country on the international cycling scene, which will show in our performances," he said.
Harding is involved very closely with the Dome2Dome and has been tasked to oversee the elite event to make sure it adheres to all the necessary UCI regulations. He will also work closely with the international race referee.
The elite race at the Dome has been shortened to 105km, which is the main distance presented for recreational riders on the day as well. The 174km route which they rode last year was simply too difficult to manage logistically and the organisers have decided to let it run on the main route
of the day.
The total bonanza which comprises the massive Powerade Dome2Dome offers a cycling overdose. Whether you're a road cyclist or a mountain-biker there's a race for you at the Dome2Dome.
Alongside the two road distances of 105km and 48km, there are no less than three mountain bike races over 15km, 30km, and 60km as well as some other interesting two-wheeled events which will be revealed in the next couple of months.
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