Enter now for the most iconic cycle race in the Eastern Cape

Has The Herald Cycle Tour always been on your bucket list? Now is the time to start gearing up for the family-friendly cycling event that is a firm favourite on the region’s sporting calendar.

The 41st The Herald Cycle Tour has officially opened and caters for both competitive riders and cyclist looking for a scenic ride.

The Herald Marketing Manager Berna Ulay-Walters said the event has always been about creating moments that extend beyond the finish line.

“It’s about the families lining the streets to cheer on loved ones, friendships forged along the route, and children inspired to embrace an active lifestyle. As we look ahead to the 2027 edition, we cannot wait to once again bring the community together for a double festival weekend of cycling and celebration. Whether you are returning for another year, or taking on the challenge for the first time, we look forward to sharing another special chapter in the story of The Herald Cycle Tour,” said Ulay-Walters.

The Mountain Bike Races will take place on Sunday, February 7 at the Addo Polo Club and the Road Races will be raced over the weekend of Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 from Pollok Beach.

For The Herald Cycle Tour Race Director Julie Briggs the upcoming event is particularly special, as it is a race very close to her heart.

“My parents, together with two friends, started the event, and 2027 will mark its 41st edition. The Herald Cycle Tour has become much more than just a race. It brings together competitive cyclists, recreational riders and families from across the country.  It is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Eastern Cape as a fantastic destination for cycling,” said Briggs.

Race distances include the 80km Extreme, 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure. and 500m Junior Race at the Mountain Bike Event. The team are excited to introduce a brand-new 10km MTB route for kids and their families - giving young riders the chance to get out on the trails AND experience the thrill of the mountains.  For the Road Race Event the distances are 106km Classic, 55km Pursuit, and the 2km and 500m Junior Races.

 “Our aim is to create an event where everyone feels welcome and has something to look forward to. That means providing a professionally run, competitive experience for serious cyclists, while ensuring that the event remains accessible, enjoyable and safe for recreational cyclists and families. Ultimately, whether you are racing for a podium position or riding with friends, we want you to finish the day feeling that you were part of something special,” said Briggs.

Each year more and more supporters and competitors love spending time at The Race Village which includes family tents, a beer garden, children’s playpark, on-stage live entertainment, and VIP lounges.

“We want the Herald Cycle Tour to be a weekend you love, remember and brag about for years to come. Call your friends, get your family involved and come and enjoy the experience together.  We want you to experience the excitement of race day, the beauty of the Eastern Cape, the camaraderie of being part of the cycling community and, most importantly, create memories along the way.  Life is made up of special memories – make the 2027 Herald Cycle Tour one of them,” encouraged Briggs.

As an added enticement and incentive to submit your entry, cyclists stand a chance to win three brand-new TREK bicycles as lucky draw prizes. These include two sets of Marlin 4 GEN2 bicycles valued at R26 000 (open to all MTB and Road participants), sponsored by TREK & Cyclo Pro, and one TREK Top Fuel 29er valued at R45 000 (available for Standard Bank MTB and Road participants), sponsored by Standard Bank.

Sponsors of The Herald Cycle Tour include Telkom (Top tier Platinum), Standard Bank (Silver), Sarah Baartman District Municipality (Gold, Mountain Bike Races), as well as vehicle sponsor Eastern Cape Motor Group, hydration sponsor Powerade and accommodation sponsors Town Lodge Hotel Group and Zuurberg Mountain Village. The Herald Cycle Tour 2027 medical sponsor is Relay EMS, infrastructure sponsors are Talisman Hire and K&W while the bicycle sponsors are Trek, Cyclo Pro and Thule. Technical sponsors are Wayne Pheiffer and Coimbra, the print sponsor for the event is Goshawk and security sponsor is Omega Security.

The beneficiary organisations that will be supported by the 2027 The Herald Cycle Tour include uThando Youth Cycle Academy, Bayethe Multi Sport Academy, Reach for a Dream and the Smile Foundation.

For more information and to enter visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za or contact The Herald Marketing Manager, Berna Ulay-Walters on ulayb@theherald.co.za.  Online entries close on Monday, February 1 2027.