New Big Cycle Race in South Africa

South Africa will be the focus of the cycling world when it stages the first ever African Premier Professional Cycle Road Race – The Tour of South Africa, later this year and will join the ranks of other great national tours such as Le Tour de France and The Tour of Britain. The eight day event will start on 27 January 2008 and will consist of a peloton of 120 elite professional riders - 20 teams with six riders each, contesting a seven stage race through the dramatic yet scenic landscapes of South Africa.

An official announcement and ceremony will be made on Thursday, 8 March at the British High Commissioner’s Residence during a two hour reception and photo session.

The race will form part of the elite professional UCI African calendar in 2008 and will attract leading cycling teams from across the world as warm and sunny start to the cycle racing season. There is no qualification with teams invited to take part. Among those participating who have already confirmed their presence will include teams from the UK, Germany, Japan, China, USA and South Africa. The route is yet to be finalised, but proposed options could include stages in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal.

The Tour of South Africa organisers, Sweetspot Group Limited and South African commercial partner Navitute (Pty) Ltd, are working with a number of partners including, Cycling South Africa, South African Tourism, and the South African International Marketing Council to finalise the route and to maximise the impact of the race on the country’s economy. A foundation will be established to ensure surplus income is re-invested into community projects across the country.

Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of Sweetspot said:

“The Tour of South Africa will become a landmark event in the professional cycling calendar. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that it will be Africa's premier cycle race encouraging the best teams and riders to take part on the African continent. With its sports orientated culture we believe it is an obvious location for an elite cycling race.”

The race will follow a similar model to other leading cycle races, such as the Tour of Britain and Le Tour de France. There is no single title sponsor, instead funding comes from a combination of both the public and private sector, with a host of commercial opportunities available to businesses wishing to target the South African market and international tourism markets.

Morne added:

“The race will provide South Africa with an opportunity to showcase many areas of our country to the rest of the world. It will also benefit local economies directly. In addition, it will be used to promote cycling and health related activities to the people of South Africa.”