Ride for Sight is back

The Dis-Chem Ride for Sight event is back on the calendar after it was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The race, which has raised R10-million in its 32-year history, will take place on February 20 at the Boksburg City Stadium.

Organised by volunteers under the leadership of Retina South Africa, the race aims to fight retinal blindness. All proceeds from the event will go to projects that find treatment for the disease.

Head of science at Retina SA Claudette Medefindt said the cancellation last year severely affected their contribution to their retinal research project.

“The Dis-Chem Ride for Sight has been a major contributor to the retinal research project at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for many years. Sadly, due to the cancellation of the 2021 event, our contribution to UCT was affected.

“Research had to be curtailed by 70% and our patient empowerment programme contribution was drastically reduced.

“This year, we have authority to register 4 000 cyclists (2 000 for the 116km and 2 000 for the 62km) for the event and we are hoping to raise half a million. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to the patient empowerment programme and 70% to the research at UCT.”

The race features the gruelling 116km event where riders compete for the Ernest Hunt Trophy. It is also a seeding event for the 2023 Cape Town tour. It also includes the 62km event for junior ladies, u-17 and u-15 for both ladies and men.

The race organisers have confirmed all Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to.

“Non-vaccinated and partially vaccinated riders can only register at CycleLab Boksburg on February 19. They must present an official negative PCR test, which is not older than 48 hours. Alternatively, they must do an on-site Rapid Antigen Test at the Saturday registration venue at their own cost.”

Dusty Day, 2020’s champion, expressed his disappointment when the race was cancelled last year.

“I wish the organisers would’ve postponed the race instead, but it’s one of those things you have to accept and move on. There’s nothing good that will come from the cancellation because it affects our sponsors who depend on results and exposure.

“There are already a handful of cycling events on the calendar, and Ride for Sight is one of the biggest ones. Road cycling has financially taken a hit in recent years.

“Different types of races suit different cyclists and Ride for Sight suits me and my brother very well, so it’s quite disappointing.

“The Dis-Chem Ride for Sight is one of the few races that looks after cyclists. The recognition we receive, the prize money and the prize-giving ceremony itself.”

The organisers have also appealed to riders to bring their old cycling kits at registration to help develop cycling teams that need kits.

For the 116km, entries will close on February 6. Late entries will only be allowed at registration if space is available and will also incur penalties. Entries for the 62km are open until registration.

Entries are open at https://www.cycleevents.co.za

Also Read: Dis-Chem Ride for Sight update

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