Professional cyclists eye the podium at upcoming Herald Cycle Tour

Rigorous training, high energy meals and mental focus – this is some of the preparation professional cyclists competing in the Herald Cycle Tour in less than a months’ time is currently doing.

With online entries closing on Tuesday (January 28) at midnight, excitement is building for one of the most anticipated races in the country. The Herald Cycle Tour will this year take place over two weekends - with the Mountain Bike Challenge and Junior Races on 16 February at the Addo Polo Club, and the Road Race on 23 February in Port Elizabeth.

One of the professional cyclists looking forward to the Road Race is Hazel Magill from Team Gumtree. “The Herald Cycle Tour is known for its continuous short punchy power climbs, and therefore you've got to do specific intervals for this, which includes a variety of 30-second to 5-minute intervals,” said Magill about her training for the race.

“I'm looking forward to supporting such a well-run and managed event. Every year when we go home from this event, we always talk about how we would love for more events around the country to run so smoothly. Thanks to all the sponsors and crew involved in making this so successful,” said Magill.

Team ProTouch’s cyclists are also eager to compete in the Road Race, with one teammate, James Fourie, racing in The Herald Cycle Tour for the first time. “I look forward to a fast and exciting race. We will be aiming to walk away with a win,” said a confident Fourie. The ProTouch team, who also race competitively internationally, have been following a professional programme preparing for The Herald Cycle Tour.

ProTouch’s Rohan du Plooy said he particularly enjoys the Eastern Cape race because of its full road closures and the hospitality from the race organisers. “I look forward to the buffet breakfast after the race. It’s a new year, with new opportunities and it will be the first time racing the event with ProTouch,” said Du Plooy.

In the Mountain Bike Race, the professional cyclists competing for Team Garmin, Yolandi du Toit and Ben Melt Swanepoel, are looking forward to their Eastern Cape adventure.

“Not really knowing what to expect from the racing conditions, my aim is to simply ride my own race and do the best I can on the day. As long as I can race to my full potential, I will be satisfied and if a good result follows, that's even better,” said Du Toit.

Team Garmin teammate Swanepoel said he will rely on his experience to construct a training programme, in combination with Du Toit’s valuable inputs. “I know the area from other races we have done there before and I really enjoy the terrain and the single-track. Eastern Cape riding has a very unique allure. Obviously, we always hope to do well in terms of results, but I would rather give my all on the day and have an average result than win without racing to my full potential,” said Swanepoel.

Another Mountain Bike competitor from Imbuko Giant Pro Cycling, Nicol Carstens, who finished in third position during last year’s race was also looking forward to an action-packed race.

“The vibe around the Herald Cycle Tour is always a highlight! My training programme in the lead-up to the Herald Cycle Tour will include lots of intervals and very little rest,” said Carstens.

Marco Joubert, Imbuko Giant Pro Cycling teammate, who finished in second position last year, said his highlight from last year’s race was the single-track descent down the side of Zuurberg Pass. “I have finished second twice. It would be awesome if I can cross the line in first place this year,” said Joubert.

There is no doubt that this year’s races – in the professional categories - will be highly competitive with some of the top talent in the country competing in the classic cycle event.

Celebrating its 35th race year, organisers of the Herald Cycle Tour attribute its long-standing popularity to the fact that the race brings together cyclists from all walks of life and fitness levels, for a day of fun on their bikes.

Online entries close this coming Tuesday, January 28 at midnight. For more information or to register, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za