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
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