Former professional cyclist Jeremy Martens is hoping to breathe new life into road cycling in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg with the launch of the inaugural East Side Classic at Carnival City on November 1.

The new mass-participation road race is designed to provide much-needed racing opportunities in a region where the road cycling calendar has become increasingly sparse.

Martens, who lives in Atlasville and owns Bike Craft Performance Coaching in Farrarmere, has been involved in cycling for more than 30 years.

He said the sport needs more events to remain relevant and create opportunities for the next generation of riders.

“The whole idea is actually quite simple. Road racing is not in a fantastic state in South Africa and more needs to be done,” said Martens.

The East Side Classic will feature 103km and 60km road races, but its standout feature will be the Criterium, which will provide an exciting conclusion to the elite men’s and women’s racing.

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The 103km race will serve as a qualifier, with the top 20 men and women progressing to the Criterium later in the day.

The short, closed-road circuit will run along a section of Elsburg Road outside Carnival City, with riders repeatedly tackling a roughly 1km out-and-back circuit.

Importantly, all the prize money will be contested in the Criterium, adding another dimension to the main road race.

“This is going to be very different from other races from a racing perspective. The 103km road race is your qualifier for the Criterium, and that’s where all the prize money is.”

Another key feature will be a Criterium specifically for primary school children, giving youngsters an opportunity to experience competitive cycling on the same circuit as the elite riders.

The races will cater for U7, U9, U11 and U13 children, with mountain bikes allowed to make the event more accessible.

Martens said developing young riders is central to his vision for the event.

“Kids are the future of our sport. If no kids are doing the sport, then you’re in trouble,” he said.

Having worked with young cyclists for several years, Martens said he has seen how opportunities can transform riders, particularly those who initially lack confidence.

The East Side Classic is expected to attract between 1 000 and 1 200 riders in its first year and is open to cyclists of all abilities.

For Martens, however, the inaugural event is about establishing a sustainable platform rather than simply staging a once-off race.

“This is something that’s going to happen annually. I plan on going further and further with this. It’s not a once-off, and then we’re done,” he said.

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