New title sponsor and bolstered venue for Berge en Dale
Change of venue from the nearby Silverstar Casino was necessary owing to the races growing popularity.
The West Rand’s biggest cycle race, the Berge en Dale Classic boasts a new title sponsor with Action Ford coming on board and will roll out from a new venue, Cradlestone Mall on 8 February.
As a premier seeding event for the 2015 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the event is situated ideally one month before the cycle tour and would-be participants can get an honest idea of their fitness levels.
Long-time event partner, Optimum Financial Services remains the presenting partner for 2014.
The Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic has grown exponentially over the past few years and the organisers are laying the groundwork in expectation of 4 000 riders turning out for the race.
Race director Wynand de Villiers says the change of venue from the nearby Silverstar Casino was necessary owing to the race’s growing popularity.
“As it happens it also has added immense value to the event because the 2,5km neutral drag after the finish line now has been eliminated.”
The new start/ finish venue is before the intersection of the N14 and Hendrik Potgieter Road in Muldersdrift. Riders will cross the finish line and turn left into Cradlestone Mall’s much larger parking area.
“The mall offers a lot to see and do once the cyclists have completed the race. It also keeps friends and families occupied while they wait for riders to come in.”
De Villiers says the rest of the 102km route remains unchanged, starting with the famous Hillsnacks climb, which is the first of four challenging ascents on the undulating course.
Hillsnacks, 7km long and with a seven per cent gradient, provides the first opportunity for the strongest riders to make their mark. But despite the early examination, the race often has come down to a final sprint to the finish.
This is how Reinardt Janse van Rensburg and Herman Fouché snatched the laurels in recent years. For those not quite ready to tackle the big one, the organisers have thrown in a 55km option.
With good road surfaces and assistance from the Mogale City metro traffic officials, ASG marshals, the Road Rangers and the Quellerina Radio Control crew, the event has gained a reputation as one of the safest races in Gauteng.
De Villiers says his organising team have concentrated on getting the basics right and not making unnecessary changes to a winning formula.
“We just strive to present a better event every year.”
For more info, contact the race office on 076 621 1807 or send an email to eventsupport@asgworld.co.za.
