LOST CITY CYCLING WEEKEND IN AID OF CANSA

The Powerade Lost City Cycle Classic in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) will take its 12^thyear on Saturday 22 August 2009 at Sun City Resort. For the past 11 years, the event has raised R 2 million for the CANSA cause and has a strong emphasis on road safety, medical assistance, and sheer riding pleasure.

Powerade adds to the prestige of the Lost City Cycle classic and their major support has ensured the continued success of this classic cycle race. Joining forces with Sun International means that the organisers can maintain the high standard of quality and safety. Entries are once again limited to 4,500 cyclists.

In 2008 the safety record was mainly accident free with only minor casualties being reported. This year, there will be 25 motorbikes on the road to assist all cyclists, and notify motorists of the cavalcades ahead. There will be over 50 traffic officers to direct motorists and other traffic. An emergency vehicle and a standby helicopter will be stationed at the Finish to assist in case of accidents or dire emergencies.

The organisers have arranged for medical stations on route and will facilitate first aid kits at all water points, physio-therapists at 2 points, doctors, and ambulances at the start/finish point. Security will be provided by Sun International on route with 250 marshals and support team members, including 25 motorcycle marshals.

This will be the third year that the Subaru Mountainbike Challenge is added to the weekend’s festivities and has proven to be an immensely popular route. The event will take place on Sunday 23 August, starting at 07h00. There will be 3 water points en route and entries are limited to 1,500, with 60 marshalls.

The budding mini-cyclists can take part in the Sparletta Tricycle/walk/run experience on Saturday. The Subaru kiddies 4x4 run/ walk/ride will be take place on the Sunday and various prizes as well as special medals will be presented at the lucky draw at the finish point. Children can be entered on the day.

After both days’ events, there will be entertainment at the Valley of Waves, where the family can enjoy an exciting day at the spectacular Sun City resort.

Entry to the resort is free for all participants, family members and spectators, provided arrival is at 06:30. All cyclists and their families will also receive free entrance to the Valley of Waves on the race day between 11:00 and 14:00.

Entries open on www.cansalostcity.co.za all relevant information will be on the website.

For special accommodation packages available for the weekend, bookings can be made with Sun International central reservations on 011 780 7800 or visit www.cansalostcity.co.za for more info.

When the going gets tough, the Dome2Dome gets going

When you read a newspaper, switch on the radio or watch television these days you inevitably get bombarded with the same message of economic doom and gloom every day. The message is simple - it’s getting more and more expensive to survive on a daily basis.

But, even in these tough times, not everyone is intent on burning a hole in your back pocket. Leandro le Roux, from Perx Sports, organiser of the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular, is a firm believer in the principle of more is better.

That’s why he decided not to increase the entry fee for his event this year, which takes place on 13 Septemer at the Coca-Cola Dome. “It obviously becomes more and more expensive every year to organise an event like the Dome2Dome. For example, the cost of getting the Metro Police to help us direct the traffic during the race is expensive. That is just one of our major expenses. But for us it has always a case of a race for cyclists by cyclists.

“That is why we had to look at a way of cutting cost and still ensuring that it is a quality must-do ride on the local calendar.”

On the change of distance – the long ride Argus qualifier has been changed to 91km – Le Roux says they had to be realistic. “Our race is only the second big event after winter and we know that a lot of cyclists only start cycling early in September when it gets warmer. So, to have a long and tough race is actually not a wise move.

“Our reasoning is that we would rather have more cyclists racing and enjoying themselves over a shorter distance because that would ensure that we can keep the entry fee as it is.”

“That is how we came to the conclusion to shorten the race to 91km. In the past we had a lot of riders who found themselves in no-mans land with the event. They felt that the 80km was too short and the 116km too long and difficult. The 91km is a distance that most cyclists can conquer.”

But, according to Le Roux, the new Dome2Dome route will still qualify as one of the toughest races on the local cycling calendar.

“I would even go as far as to say it is Joburg’s toughest race. One has just to compare the profile of the Dome2Dome to that of any of the other races. The new route takes in 4 big climbs on the outskirts of the West Rand and it remains a tough test for any cyclist.

“However with the distance reduction, it does bring it into line with most 100km events that act as seeding races for the Cycle Tour’s Alpha Pharm-series.”

Another reason for the shorter race is to give cyclist more time to enjoy the Getaway Show, which is presented in conjunction with the Dome2Dome at the Coca-Cola Dome. “With a 116km race it meant that a lot of cyclists only finished round about 12:00 to 12:30, which left them so tired that they just wanted to go home. Now the majority of cyclists should finish by 11:30 giving them an extra hour to enjoy the Getaway Show.”

Dave Bellairs, convener of the Cycle Trust Alpha Pharm-series, complimented Le Roux and his team for shortening the race.

“I, for one, will enjoy racing the shorter distance. I rode the Dome2Dome twice before and I must admit I suffered big time. You end up riding either up or down the whole time and that really tires your legs.”

Entries and further information on the Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular are available on www.dome2dome.co.za