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National cycling showdown in Midvaal

Midvaal gears up as South Africa’s top cyclists battle for national glory this week.

WALKERVILLE – Cyclists from all over South Africa will descend on Midvaal this week when the 2026 SA National Road, Time Trial and Para-Cycling Championships are staged from February 5 to 8, with Rosenbusch in Walkerville serving as the central race venue.

The championships, organised by Cycling South Africa and hosted by Midvaal Local Municipality, are expected to attract hundreds of riders across elite, U23, junior, masters, and para-cycling categories, all competing for national titles and selection recognition.

Action during last year’s SA Road, Time Trial and Para-Cycling Championships. Photo: Christiaan Cloete

Racing gets underway on Thursday with the individual time trials, including a 43.8km test for elite and U23 men and a 29.6km race for elite women.

The road race programme will run from Friday to Sunday on a 14.7km circuit featuring technical corners, open flat sections, and sustained drags.

Time trial action returns to Midvaal as the 2026 SA National Championships get underway. Photo: Christiaan Cloete

Highlight events include the elite women’s 143.2km road race on Saturday, starting at 09:30, and the elite men’s 185.8km race on Sunday, which is scheduled to start at 12:30.

This will be the third consecutive year the national road championships have been hosted in Midvaal, reinforcing the area’s growing role as a regular venue on the national cycling calendar.

The 2026 SA National Cycling Championships hit the roads of Walkerville this week. Photo: Christiaan Cloete

Cycling South Africa has previously cited the municipality’s open road network and consistent racing conditions as key factors in its continued selection.

A new race village at Rosenbusch will function as event headquarters, with secure parking, designated team areas, and spectator facilities. Motorists can expect temporary road closures and traffic disruptions along sections of the route during race days.

All competitors are required to hold a valid Cycling South Africa racing license.

Championship titles will only be awarded in categories with a minimum of five starters.

Riders blaze through Midvaal, setting the stage for this year’s national cycling showdown. Photo: Christiaan Cloete

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Christiaan Cloete

Christiaan is editor of Ster North and a reporter for Vaalweekblad. Email: christiaan@mooivaal.co.za
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