Cycle Tour deadline coming up

EXCITEMENT is mounting with just one week to go until the official closing date of the 34th annual The Herald Continental Cycle Tour. 

Cyclists of all ages and levels of fitness are encouraged to enter the Mountain Bike Race taking place on 17 February at the Addo Polo Club, followed by a weekend of road racing on 23 and 24 February in Port Elizabeth. 

Make a day out of the much-anticipated race events by bringing the entire family to the respective race villages, which promise to be a hive of activity and fun during the two epic cycling weekends

The Mountain Bike Race Village will showcase the Sundays River Valley’s rich country hospitality with a traditional farmer’s market. Expect great local food, plenty of entertainment and an opportunity for the city kids to go on tractor rides and horse rides. 

The Race Village at Pollok Beach, which will be up and running for the road races on 23 and 24 February, will offer a unique experience to cyclists, spectators and supporters. 

This year’s Race Village will again include the Cycle Tour Lounge, where the races can be enjoyed in style with VIP parking, appetizing lunch and refreshments, a dedicated bar and comfortable seating.  

Other race village attractions include children’s activation zones – with jumping castles, face painting and balloon art. The Pollok Beach Race Village will also have a variety of food for sale – including several popular food trucks, a beer garden and coffee station. Live entertainment from local artists and DJs will ensure a vibey atmosphere to enjoy before, during and after the races. 

Creating a unique experience in the race villages is a key ingredient for the continued success of the cycling extravaganza, said The Herald Chief Marketing Officer Justin Peel. 

“The race villages will once again offer great entertainment for children and adults alike. The phenomenal atmosphere created on race day is something to experience first-hand. So, whether you’re entering to be competitive or to simply soak up the fun atmosphere – there is something for every rider,” said Peel. 

Peel encouraged spectators and fans to come out in their numbers to support the cyclists. Several professional cyclists described the festive Nelson Mandela Bay atmosphere as nothing they have ever experienced at any other cycling event.  

Registered cyclists will be able to collect their race packs on the following dates:

MTB Race:  Friday 15 February from 09:00 – 19:00 at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand; Saturday 16 February from 09:00 – 13:00 at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand; and Saturday 16 February from 18:00 – 19:00 at Addo Polo Club, Addo.

Road Races: Friday 22 February from 09:00 – 19:00 and Saturday 23 February from 09:00 – 13:00 at Race Village, Pollok Beach, Port Elizabeth.

Race entries close at midnight on 27 January. For more information or to enter, visit The Herald Continental Cycle Tour’s website at www.heraldcycletour.co.za