Cyclists will enjoy Lowveld beauty
This year will challenge the riders more than ever before.
The PPS Panorama Tour takes place in White River from today to May 1.
Starting and finishing at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, this year’s tour boasts a revamped route that is sure to inspire and challenge even the most seasoned road cyclists.
It is a four-day event for teams of two. There will be three new stages featuring formidable climbs, daring descents and breathtaking scenery.
Over the years, White River has been an exemplary host to the PPS Panorama Tour. This year the town braces itself for an exciting instalment of the toughest race on tar, as it has been dubbed. “This year will challenge the riders more than ever before,” said race director Fiona Coward.
“The Lowveld is known for its climbs and this year’s race includes yet another iconic climb in Boulders.” Stage one will take riders through White River onto the R537 towards Sabie and back. It culminates in the five-kilometre pass to the top of Spitskop which is a hot spot (33 kilometres) for the first Sub Vet, Vet, Masters and Tandem categories with a wicked descent on the way back to White River.
Stage two will take them towards Numbi Gate, on the Old Plaston Road and zigzagging onto the road past the airport onto the N4 and later into the Mara Conservancy and the climb over Boulders. They will exit the Conservancy and cycle through the beautiful Crocodile Gorge past Karino into Crocodile Valley before heading back to Casterbridge via the airport and Plaston Road.
Stage three will have them heading towards Hazyview and onto the Kiepersol Road. They will come back to White River after a loop that returns to the R40.
Stage four is a time trial with fewer twists and turns. Despite the longer distance, it is fast and a great way to end the tour. Teams leave in descending order (unofficial to slowest to fastest) through the White River suburbs, Impala Street onto the Sabie Road, past the turn-off to Witklip Dam to the colourful turnaround point at 19 kilometres and back.
The prize money for the 2018 PPS Panorama Tour has in the meantime been boosted by R150 000, compliments of PPS. This brings the total prize money up to R260 000. Category winners will be able to invest in any of the nine PPS unit trusts, or a combination thereof.
Coward also urges motorists, of whom there may be many since it is a long weekend, to be on the lookout for the cyclists. If locals would like to check if the tour is coming through their area, the new routes are available at www. panoramatour.co.za.
