Cyclists gear up for Tour de Limpopo

The second annual Tour de Limpopo is set to take place next month with Bela-Bela as starting point for this year’s cycling event.
Last year Tour De Limpopo saw a collaboration between Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) and Cycling South Africa (CSA), showcasing the diversity of Limpopo as a premier cycling destination. The 2018 event attracted 18 international professional teams who delivered some thrilling racing against the scenic backdrop of the Greater Letaba district and Magoebaskloof.
The 2019 version begins in Bela-Bela, highlighting the biodiversity of the area from its private game reserves situated along the route, the majestic savannah and the grape producing region to the renowned Makapans Valley, a World heritage site situated off the R101 between Mokopane and Polokwane.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Nomasanto Ndlovu has announced that the event will also return to Limpopo in 2020. Adventure tourism is a fast-growing segment in Limpopo and attracts a high volume of mountain bikers as well as 4×4 off-road enthusiasts from all over South Africa and beyond. “This finds resonance with LTA’s marketing strategy, particularly on the sports tourism front, mainly due to the province’s scenic beauty provided by the topography. This event will help grow the province’s sports tourism profile,” Ndlovu was quoted to have said in a recent press release.
Tour de Limpopo will be a four-day stage race starting at Bela-Bela on 15 May and heading north to Polokwane. Teams will overnight in the provincial capital before heading east to Tzaneen, where a two night stay awaits them before heading back to Polokwane on 18 May, to finish the tour at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The elite race will comprise teams of six riders and three support crew. Pro continental, national and local regional/professional teams will be invited to participate in the tour. The interest in the tour has reportedly grown with more than 24 teams expressing interest to participate. These teams span four continents, representing 14 countries.
Teams will race for General Classification, Sprinters jersey, King of the Mountain jersey, Best Young Rider and Most Aggressive Rider, as well as Overall Team Classification.

Story: RC Myburgh
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