Entries now open for Berge en Dale Classic

The 2015 Action Ford Berge en Dale Classic is a premier seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and takes off from Cradlestone Mall on 31 January next year.

After moving to the state-of-the-art Cradlestone Mall on the R28 this year, the event proved to be a user-friendly experience at the venue with ample parking and lots to do once the race finishes.

The event attracted 4 000 cyclists this year and the 2015 race route and venue remain unchanged.

Entries are now open at www.cycleevents.co.za or contact the race office on 076 621 1807 or email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za for more information.

Parking and traffic arrangements

There are loads of safe and free parking in the parking areas at Cradlestone Mall, and entrance via the main gates will be free to cyclists between 4.30am and 7am.

Cyclists will be directed to the undercover parking area. If you transport your bike on the vehicle’s roof, please don’t go there! The final water point is in the parking lot at the mall. No vehicle will be allowed to park in the area around the finish line on the N14 because it will create a serious risk for cyclists and other road users.

Allow enough time for parking and give your full cooperation to the people regulating parking at the venue.

Toilets

There will be temporary toilets near the starting blocks, but no shower facilities. Participants also may use the mall’s toilets, but are requested to leave these facilities clean.

Starting line

Cyclists must attach their race numbers low down the back of their shirts. They must be in their starting blocks 15 minutes before their starting time to hear all the announcements and information about the route and road conditions. Please heed the signs indicating the various starting groups, and stay in the correct starting block.

Water points along the route

• No 1 – At 10km (just after the right turn out of Robert Broom Drive)

• No 2 – At 32,5km (right turn access road between Magalies and Krugersdorp)

• No 3 – At 50km (2km before Maropeng, two thirds up the climb)

• No 4 – At 70km (at the Rhino and Lion Park)

• No 5 – At 90km (Beyers Naude Drive/ N14 junction)

Accidents and medical support courtesy of Heliovac Event Medical Specialists, ambulances and paramedics will be available in case riders need to be treated or transported.

It is extremely important that every cyclist’s full details (name, medical aid, number, allergies, emergency contact numbers etc) are filled in correctly on the entry form and on the race number on the back of their shirt, and that every cyclist can be identified correctly by his or her race number.

Participants must have a means of identification, with medical details, on them to ensure that the emergency personnel have all the necessary information available should an ambulance have to pick them up.

Prize-giving and lucky draws

The prize-giving ceremony will begin on the lower level in front of Woolworths at the mall at 11am.

There are cash prizes for the professional riders, and many prizes for participants attending the ceremony.

Please follow the directions to the area to be used for the prize-giving.

Number collection

• Thursday 29 January; Cycle Lab Nicol Grove from 10am to 4pm

• Friday 30 January: Cradlestone Mall from 10am to 4pm

Entry fees for 97km are R280 and for 55km are R150

Results

The provisional results will be available within 12 hours on the website www.racetec.co.za. Objections must be lodged with the race organiser, referee or CSA officials within one hour after the race has finished, and must be accompanied by a payment of R100.

Further changes to the results must be sent to queries@racetec.co.za no later than seven days after the race. No changes will be made thereafter, as they cannot be included in the National Seeding Index.

Late entries

Late line entries will be accepted only at the registration venues as indicated; not on the day of the race. It is important to note that a penalty of R60 will be applicable for all distances. Riders who enter late will start in the non-seeded groups.

Tandems

Each rider must complete a separate entry form or enter as required. Please fill in your tandem partner’s name and ID. Both tandem riders must wear RaceTec timing chips to obtain a result and seeding for the event. Timing will be done by RaceTec.

All participants must have a RaceTec timing chip to be timed and must carry the chip for the duration of the event. No chip, no result, no prize money. RaceTec timing chips will be for sale at the registration venues as well as at the start. They cost R110 each.

For further information email eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807.