Edenvale pro, 2020 Cape Town Cycle Tour winner a hot favourite for Berge & Dale

Professional cyclist Travis Barrett is aiming for a second Everything.Insure Berge & Dale title when the 22nd edition takes place on February 26 at Protearif Primary, Krugersdorp.

The 2020 Cape Town Cycle Tour winner said it has been a goal to win the race again.

“Another title is my objective, especially coming in as the defending champ. Any result and race win is important for me, especially as a young rider, so a second title really would help me gain recognition as one of the better riders in South Africa.”

The 22-year-old added that mentally he was excited and ready for the season ahead, but physically he was not in his best shape yet.

“Although, after a promising ride at Gauteng Champs recently and with a few weeks still to go before Berge & Dale, I think I’ll have some good form on race day.”

After having had to cancel last year’s event due to Covid-19 uncertainties, organisers Slipstream Events will welcome riders back to this iconic West Rand event, which is renowned for its challenging and hilly route – and in particular the sting in the tail climb to the finish.

“I’m excited for the return of Berge & Dale this year,” said Barrett.

“The last two years have been filled with so much uncertainty regarding road races in SA, so it’s good to see the calendar getting fuller.”

The Team Honeycomb Pro Cycling rider said Berge & Dale had always been one that he enjoyed and looked forward to.

“It’s never a completely flat route. I usually perform better in hilly races, especially since I’m one of the smaller riders in the bunch. The route is always challenging and quite different to many other local races, which always makes it exciting.”

The Edenvale resident added that the organisation, as well as the vibe in all of the editions he had participated in, had always been great.

“I urge those who haven’t yet entered or those who are still indecisive to get their entries in – it’s an event that you won’t regret taking part in!”

Following the 109km – which is an official seeding event for Ride Joburg – and 60km road races on Saturday, the event will also introduce a mountain bike event with distances of 45km and 20km at Kings Kloof.

The 45km MTB race is challenging and technical, and should only be attempted by fit and experienced mountain bikers. There will be new sections cut for the 20km race.

Entry fees:

• Road – 109km: R380; 60km: R260
• MTB – 45km: R230; 20km: R180

Categories:

• 109km – Elite & U/23 Men; Licensed Ladies (Elite & Junior); Vets Men 30+; Vets Men 40+; Vets Men 50+; Junior Men; U/17 Boys; Tandem; Open and E-bikes

• 60km – U/17 Girls; U/15 Boys; Tandem; Open and E-Bikes

Late entry fee: R50

Substitution fee: R20

Entries close February 18, or as soon as the entry limits have been reached: Road – 2 000 entrants; MTB – 500 entrants.

Enter on www.bergeendale.co.za.