All systems go as The Herald Cycle Tour entries go live

GEAR UP: Entries are officially open for the 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour, which takes place in February 2025. To register and for more information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za. Image: RICHARD PEARCE

Gqeberha is once again gearing up for a festival of cycling as entries for the 39th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour in February go live today.

The event has showcased the city for more than three decades and the 2025 action returns to the trails of the Addo Polo Club for the mountain bike races on February 9.

The following weekend, on February 15 and 16, the road races take over at Pollok Beach in the city.

The cycle tour, which traditionally attracts about 3 000 participants and more than 8 000 spectators, is uniquely positioned as a celebration of cycling and the region, with options for the whole family.

The 80km Extreme is the feature event on the off-road programme. Alongside the main race will be a 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 5km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.

The road programme is highlighted by the 106km Classic for various racing categories on the Sunday. This race is supported by the 55km Adventure for age-group entrants and tandems.

The 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash are scheduled for the Saturday.

Riders who intend to tackle the on and off-road feature races can target the Ultimate Quest, which aims to identify the top all-rounders.

With family picnic zones, family tent, beer garden, children’s play park, live entertainment and the Standard Bank VIP lounges, the race village at the start-finish area will offer an even bigger and better family experience.

The Herald editor Rochelle de Kock said it was hoped 2025’s event would be the biggest yet.

“With every year that we have hosted this premier event on the Nelson Mandela Bay events calendar, it has grown and we’ve attracted national and international riders,” she said.

“We aim to ensure next year’s cycle tour races will be even bigger and that we can assist more beneficiary riders through the charities we will be supporting.

“With the Cycle Tour set to celebrate its 39th year since inception, we would like to encourage all cyclists, young and old, along with their families, to join us in the festivities.

“It has a positive economic impact on our city by not only benefiting the hospitality industry but also small businesses that form part of the team that organises the event to ensure its success.

“We’d like to encourage as many entries as possible, and support from our local community, to mark the 39th year of the event as the biggest and best yet.

“And, in 2026, when we celebrate year 40, we will ensure this is the cycle tour that every cyclist must tick off as a bucket list event,” she said.

It has drawn support from the Sarah Baartman District Municipality and a wide range of businesses including the Eastern Cape Motors Group, Standard Bank, Powerade, Town Lodge Group, Relay EMS, Talisman Hire, K&W Events and Amusements, Trek, Cyclo Pro, Thule, Wayne Pheiffer Cycles, Coimbra, Goshawk and Omega Security.

The event will also continue its support of worthy causes by generating funds for the Smile Foundation, Reach for a Dream, Bayethe MultiSport Academy and Uthando Youth Cycling Academy.

All road and MTB entrants will also stand the chance to win a Marlin 4 GEN2 bicycle, sponsored by Trek and Cyclo Pro, valued at R12 500.

Standard Bank road and MTB entrants also stand in line to win one Trek Top Fuel 5 (2025 model) valued at R55 000, compliments of the financial institution.

Entrants can also support The Herald’s Helmet Heroes initiative, which was introduced in 2022.

It is aimed at educating and providing protection for those who commute by bicycle.

The organisers have increased the target number of helmets earmarked for distribution to commuters on the race route.

Entries close at midday on February 3.

To enter, and for further information, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

For other queries, email The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za.