New Krugersdorp Cycle Classic the last hurrah

Roadies aiming for a last hurrah at the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge in November can look forward to another brand-new riding opportunity before they put away their bikes for the Christmas holidays.

The inaugural Action Ford Krugersdorp Classic, presented by ASG, rolls out from the title sponsor’s flagship new dealership on 24 November – a week after the Johannesburg race.

“We know a lot of people train specifically for the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and a lot of them would like to fit in another ride on their training base,” says race organiser Wynand de Villiers.

Entries for the event are open and available at www.cycleevents.co.za.

“We believe our 105km route is a little tougher, so it will be a nice challenge for cyclists to end off the year.”

The feature race covers some of the West Rand’s most popular riding terrain, while the 55km short course provides some relief to those whose legs are feeling the fatigue.

“The long route tracks quite a few sections of the famous Berge en Dale route but in reverse,” says De Villiers.

Starting in front of Krugersdorp High School, the race makes its way past Noordheuwel Shopping Centre and down to Robert Broom Drive before joining the R28.

“The race drops down Hillsnacks and then turns left in Muldersdrift, past Avianto Estate on the banks of the Crocodile River.”

After turning right at Kloofzicht, riders join the Berge en Dale route, going left into Beyers Naudé Drive. Following the big climb past Toadbury Hall, cyclists will pass the Rhino and Lion Park as they make their way out of the Cradle of Humankind.

“The first big hill presents itself after the right turn onto the Hekpoort Road,” says De Villiers. Turning towards Maropeng, riders enjoy the reward of an 8km descent after all the uphill effort.

“Then there’s a good bit of slow poison on the Magaliesburg road back towards Krugersdorp before some respite on the long descent on Robert Broom.”

A few undulations and a final small climb are all that stand between participants and the fast lead-in to the finish in Voortrekker Road.

The 55km race follows the same course until the Pinehaven intersection, where it takes the N14 towards Ventersdorp, before rejoining the main race at the Magaliesburg/ Krugersdorp road crossing.

With R50 000 in the winners’ purse and a further R50 000 in lucky draw prizes, De Villiers says he is sure that the country’s top pro teams will turn up for the feature race.

“Robert Hunter lives just down the road, so I won’t be surprised if he puts in a last racing appearance of his career.”

The event comes at the request of long-standing vehicle partner Action Ford, whose massive new dealership will be the start and finish venue.

“ASG has been wanting to start a new event in the heart of Krugersdorp for a while and this has given them the perfect opportunity.

“Action Ford is very entrenched in the town and has been contributing to community upliftment for years.” He says the motor group’s new SUV and bakkie ranges also would appeal to cyclists, given their active lifestyles.

De Villiers confirms that his organising team are preparing for a big turnout, on a similar scale to their other mass participation events like the Emperors Palace Classic.

Safety measures on the route include ample lead and sweep vehicles as well as a strong metro police presence.

The start and finish chutes will be closed to traffic and full emergency medical support will be provided along the course.

Entrants will receive a well-stocked goodie bag, with medals for all finishers. The attendance-only prize draw will be at 11am.

Registration is at Cycle Lab Fourways on 21 November from 10am to 4pm, Cycle Lab Little Falls on 22 November from 10am to 4pm and at Action Ford on 23 November from 9am to 1pm. There will be no late registration on race day.