Route checks are under way for the 2019 Herald Continental Cycle Tour. Race directors Brad Jackson and Julie Briggs ensure all roads are inspected and in good condition.

In its 34th year of existence, The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is still one of the few races in SA that offers road closures on race days, on Saturday and Sunday February 23-24 2019.

“Road safety is and always has been our number one priority,” road race director Julie Briggs said.

“Detailed meetings take place months before the time with all parties, including the traffic department, our medical team, our safety officer, marshals and our road closure team.”

“Our JOC (joint operation centre) is a central team of experts that manages all safety and security aspects on race day,” she said.

“On the day we have over 80 traffic officials on duty, as well as 105 marshals along the route.”

Once again The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is expected to attract entries from all over the country as riders compete for the prestigious mountain and road bike titles.

The traditional, scenic road races (106km Coastal Classic and 55km Pursuit) take place on February 24, starting at Pollok Beach.

And for those adrenaline junkies who prefer the freeflowing trails in Addo, the mountain bike races (80km Extreme, 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure) will take place from the Addo Polo Club on Sunday February 17.

The Team Relay Challenge (23km road and 15km MTB relay) and the 500m/2km Junior race will be contested on Saturday February 23 at Pollok Beach.

“The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is a race very close to my heart as my father was one of the founders 34 years ago,” Briggs said. “It’s great to see so many out-of-town riders come down to support this race, an area which we hope to see grow each year.” Riders and spectators can enjoy themselves inside the vibey race village at Pollok Beach for the Relay Challenge and road race.

The village will again showcase the ever-popular Cycle Tour Lounge, which includes VIP parking, lunch and refreshments, a dedicated bar and comfortable seating. Other race village attractions include kiddies activation zones with jumping castles, face painting and balloon art, popular food trucks, a beer garden and live entertainment. Race pack collection will take place from the Pollok Beach grass area. Visit The Herald Cycle Tour website at www.heraldcycletour.co.za for collection dates and times. Early bird tickets will be available until November 30 where riders can save 25% on their entries.

Last year’s race was won by Clint Hendricks in the men’s race and in the women’s section it was Maroesjka Matthee who grabbed the title. This year, fans can expect to watch the likes of Reynard Butler and James Fourie of Team Pro Touch, Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill of Team Galileo-Risk, Team 13 (previously known as Leadout Aspire), Absolute Motion, and Port Elizabeth superstar Anriette Schoeman.

BY VUYOKAZI NKANJENI

Gearing up are Continental’s head of marketing and sales Southern Africa Ian Langlands and The Herald editor Nwabisa Makunga. 
Image: Eugene Coetzee

Entries have opened for the popular Herald Continental Cycle Tour and the 2019 edition is once again expected to attract some of the country’s leading cyclists.

The race has featured some big names in recent years and this time around will prove no different with the likes of Reynard Butler and James Fourie of Team Pro Touch, Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill of Team Galileo-Risk, Team 13 (previously known as Leadout Aspire) Absolute Motion, and Port Elizabeth superstar  Anriette Schoeman expected to be in the starting line-up.  

But the event is not only for the elite riders but also caters for thousands of casual and aspiring cyclists. 

The 106km Coastal Classic and 55km Pursuit on February 24 will take cyclists from Pollok Beach along some of the most scenic routes the metro has to offer. 

For those adrenalin junkies out there  who prefer the challenging trails in Addo, the mountain bike races (80km Extreme, 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure) will be hosted from the Addo Polo Club on Sunday, February 17. 

The event also features the Corporate Relay Challenge  (23km road and 15km MTB relay) and the 500m/2km Junior race   on Saturday, February 23 at Pollok Beach. 

“Over the last two years we have seen up close and in the field the passion and joy of participants in the Herald Continental Cycle Tour,”

Continental Tyre SA  managing director Shaun Uys said. 

“While the enjoyment of cycling can be a personal thing in the way you challenge yourself, it is also an opportunity to make new friends. The camaraderie and good-natured competitiveness will once more be seen in the corporate relay as we aim to put forth a few Continental teams for the challenge. 

“The event traverses some of the most breath taking coastline scenery on offer in our bay. As the racers glide along our roads they can’t help but experience a timeless freedom.  We wish them a safe and memorable ride”.

“Taking new and different roads and getting to see different aspects of a place need not only be done from the seat of a car, but can be equally fully experienced form the saddle of a bicycle,” Uys said.  

“At Continental we understand this synergy well as we produce top leading tyres for both the passenger car and bicycle market.  

“The Herald Continental Cycle tour is therefore a great opportunity to put the engineering in these cycling products to the test.  

“Continental  Tyre has been a part of the Port Elizabeth landscape for over 70 years and we are proud to be associated with an iconic event  that promotes not only the sport, but the beauty of our bay, Uys added. 

The additional sponsors on board again for next year’s event   East Cape Motors (Ford), Powerade,  Radisson Blu Hotel and Bukani Print. 

The Herald editor Nwabisa Makunga echoed Uys’ sentiments.

“We are confident this year’s races over both weekends will be even more successful than previous editions of the event. 

“We have the same sponsors on board   and together with our headline partner, Continental Tyre SA, we are planning some exciting additions. 

“We are still very much committed to staging the most well-organised race in the country and we believe  competitors will enjoy a great experience on both race days,” Makunga said. 

Early bird tickets are available  until  November 30 where  riders can save 25% on their entry fees. 

Event, entry information and registration is available on www.heraldcycletour.co.za.  The official closing  of entries is at midnight on Sunday, January 27.

WOMAN POWER: The Herald Continental Cycle Tour women’s winner Maroesjka Matthee, of Cape Town, salutes the crowd as she crosses the finish line ahead of Port Elizabeth’s racing queen Anriette Schoeman close behind Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN

TEAM BCX riders Clint Hendricks and Steven van Heerden were a cut above the rest as the pair claimed a one-two finish in the 106km classic at The Herald Continental Cycle Tour yesterday. In the women’s section, Cape Town Team Ciovita rider Maroesjka Matthee won the 106km title ahead of last year’s winner and Bay cycling ace, Anriette Schoeman, of Team Africa Silks Bestmed.

Another Port Elizabeth racer, Kelsey van Schoor, of African Pride, claimed third place.

Hendricks and Van Heerden, of Johannesburg, had big smiles as they crossed the line almost side by side to loud cheers from the crowd.

Hendricks led the way across the line in a time of two hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds, while Van Heerden stopped the clock at of 2:35.59sec.

Greg de Vink, of Team Mad Macs, rounded out the podium places in 2:36.00.

Hendricks, 26, was elated to pick up his first Herald Cycle Tour victory on a warm Sunday morning.

“The team rode brilliantly today, we had about four or five riders in the lead group,” he said after the race.

“Steven attacked after Maitlands and we opened a big gap.

“We had a few attacks and managed to work well together in the last 40km.

“Steve said I should take the win, even though I asked him a number of times if he was sure, because I would have liked him to win as well,” Hendricks said.

“He works tirelessly every day, and it just shows how unselfish he is. So, it’s just nice to reward the team with the win.”

Hendricks bettered his result of last year, where he finished second behind Nolan Hoffman, also from Team BCX.

Van Heerden said it was a tough race, but hailed the performance of all his teammates for their help in bringing home the title.

Asked why he had decided to give Hendricks the win, he said: “That’s camaraderie. We are friends.

“We ride together. He’s a sprinter, so that is his job,” Van Heerden said.

“My ride was just a training race for the Commonwealth Games later this year.”

Matthee, 29, claimed the women’s win in a nailbiting final few metres, to pip Schoeman to the post.

Matthee finished in a time of 3:12.51 ahead of Schoeman, who clocked in 3:12.52.

Van Schoor’s third place was in a time of 3:12.53

Matthee said despite the tough field, she knew she would need to stay in touch with the lead group – and in particular Schoeman – if there was any chance of her gaining a decent result.

“I always enjoy racing in Port Elizabeth,” she said.

“Anriette attacked non-stop but I managed to stick to her until the Maitlands climb.”

Matthee caught up with Schoeman about 5km after the ascent – and said it was then a drag race to the line.

“I was a bit nervous as I didn’t want to be boxed in, but I knew Anriette’s was the best wheel to stick to,” she said.

Schoeman said: “Conditions were quite tough and I didn’t feel great, so I just tried my best on the climbs.

“I was coming down with a bit of a tummy bug so, considering how I was feeling, I’m happy with the result.”

Schoeman said Matthee’s teammates made it difficult for her to pull away.

The king and queen of the mountain titles went to David Maree and Schoeman respectively.

In the 55km pursuit race, Imveli Cycling club’s Archie Zakhe, 15, took the honours in 1:38.05secs, ahead of second placed Reinhard Strumpfer (1:38.09) and Benjamin Brown in third (1:40.25).

On the women’s side, Team Bestmed’s Ashleigh Mayhead, 16, The Herald Continental Cycle Tour MTB winner a week ago, crossed in 1:44.18.

Mayhead finished a second ahead of Gemma Meaton (1:45.08) as Mischka Strydom came in two seconds later (1:47.59).

Top Five results:

Men 106km: Clint Hendricks (2:35.58secs), Steven Van Heerden (2:35.59), Greg de Vink (2:36.00); Brandon Downes (2:37.11); Nolan Hoffman (2.37:12)

Women’s 106km: Maroesjka Matthee (3:12.51); Anriette Schoeman (3:12:52); Kelsey van Schoor (3:12.53); Elne Owen (3.12.54); Liezel Jordaan (3:12.54).

Amir Chetty chettyam@tisoblackstar.co.za

TIME TO CELEBRATE: Enjoying the moment is The Herald Continental Cycle Tour winner Clint Hendricks, centre, with Steven van Heerden, right, who finished second, and Greg de Vink, who came third Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN

HUNDREDS of cycling fans filled the seats at the Race Village as The Herald Continental Cycle Tour rolled through Nelson Mandela Bay at the weekend.

Under sunny skies, spectators helped push their favourite riders to the finish as they lined the streets off Marine Drive.

The Cycle Tour Race Village had everything from jumping castles to a beer tent, food trucks, live music and some displays by SA trial mountain biker Dylan Victor to keep fans entertained.

Now in its 33rd year, one of the Eastern Cape’s iconic road races saw more than 1000 riders take to the course for both races. Team BCX showed their class by bagging three of the top five finishing spots.

Women’s 106km winner Maroesjka Matthee said racing in the Bay was always enjoyable and the crowd was always there to motivate racers.

“It’s amazing – wherever you went, every left and right turn, there were so many people out on the course cheering us on.

“The crowd really comes together as a community and it’s great for us as racers,” she said.

Friends Helder Silva and Armin Brandle, who participated in the veterans’ category, said they had enjoyed the day out on the course.

Both men used the race as part of their training for the Ironman Africa Championship in April.

The Herald and Weekend Post editor Brett Horner commended the organisers for another successful race.

“We are not trying to be the biggest race in the country and we know the race calendar is getting quite choc-a- block.

“So we try to create a unique experience – our Race Village is central to that both here and in Addo for the mountain bike leg.”

Horner said it was a family race with a lot of Bay riders participating. “The numbers looked pretty good again this year and we would like to keep them ticking up.”

He also thanked sponsors Continental South Africa for their continued support in making the race a success again this year.

Sales and marketing director Ian Langlands, who was also part of the race, said the partnership with The Herald Cycle Tour was now in the second of a three-year partnership and had been fantastic so far.

“Conti has been involved in cycling all around the world, like the Tour de France and the cycle tour here in the Eastern Cape – it’s been a really awesome experience,” he said.

Amir Chetty chettyam@tisoblackstar.co.za

POWER PAIR: Yolande de Villiers and Gert Heyns celebrate on the podium after winning the women’s and men’s sections at The Herald Continental Cycle Tour 80km MTB race yesterday which started and ended at the Addo Polo Club Picture: EUGENE COETZE

GERT Heyns and Yolande de Villiers were a cut above the rest as the pair powered to victory in The Herald Continental Cycle Tour 80km mountain bike race with a field of more than 1200 riders yesterday.

An upbeat Heyns, 24, riding for Team DSV, was just too strong for his competitors, crossing the line in 2 hr 53 min and 10 sec.

He claimed the chequered flag ahead of Durban’s Andrew Hill (2.53:46) and Nicol Carstens (2.53:48) from Worcester.

“I went quite hard in the beginning to try and get away on the single track. The route was really fun, I managed to open up a gap going up through the pass, but towards the end they were chasing me all the way. But, I managed to hold out [for the win],” Heyns said.

Coming off the back of a win at the 99er Road Race in Cape Town last week, Heyns said although the field was strong, he managed to get away fairly easily in the beginning but trying to open up a considerable gap later was tough.

In the women’s section, Oudtshoorn’s De Villiers, 45, riding for Team Silverback Volvo Racing, put up a commanding performance on the course, racing to victory in a time of 3:10:27.

De Villiers finished almost 20 minutes ahead of her nearest competitor, Bay rider Anriette Schoeman, who finished in a time of 3.29:40.

Another PE rider, Siska van der Bijl, was a further three minutes behind in 3.32:12 in third.

De Villiers said: “The guys went off quite early, so I just tried to stick with them, and the ladies field was quite tough with competitors like Anriette and Ciska, but I’m happy I managed to pull through.”

De Villiers and Heyns were named king and queen of the mountain for being the first riders to make their way up the Zuurberg Pass.

Covered in cuts due to some encounters with trees along the route, Schoeman said it was a fantastic race and she hoped to be back next year.

“It was always going to be a tough race. I participated in three races before this one, so the body is a bit tired, but I’m glad about the result.”

Referring to De Villiers, Schoeman said: “She is proper class. She has an excellent CV and lining up against her. I always knew it was going to be tough.”

In the 60km race, Gerrit Rautenbach took first place ahead of Raye Moolman and Matthew Spanjaard in second and third respectively. On the women’s side, Gail Willimott was first home, with Michelle Scowby and Beth Marais claiming the final podium spots.

Continental Tyres South Africa managing director Shaun Uys said they were proud to be associated with an event of this nature.

“Cycling is one of our communication mechanisms, trying to link our Conti car tyres to our Conti bike tyres. We live in Port Elizabeth, so why not support Port Elizabeth events,” Uys said.

The Herald and Weekend Post editor Brett Horner said: “I’m grateful the public continues to support the race, especially after all the mud and rain last year, it’s very encouraging for the event and for cycling in the Bay.”

He also thanked Continental for their support and said attention now shifted to the road race on Sunday.

Amir Chetty chettyam@tisoblackstar.co.za

POWER PAIR: Yolande de Villiers and Gert Heyns celebrate on the podium after winning the women’s and men’s sections at The Herald Continental Cycle Tour 80km MTB race yesterday which started and ended at the Addo Polo Club Picture: EUGENE COETZEE

As the official accommodation partner to The Herald Continental Cycle Tour, The Radisson Blu Hotel is looking forward to welcoming riders and visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay in celebrating the 33rd edition of this iconic race.

The internationally renowned hotel, which is perfectly situated right across the start and finish line of the race offers an ideal stay for all cyclists and travelling supporters. The Radisson Blu is once again offering preferential accommodation rates to all participants, who will be able to experience the energy and excitement of the weekend festival of cycling, as the hotel becomes a hive of activity with all professional cycling teams and race officials staying at the hotel enjoying exceptional staff hospitality and excellent facilities, which include free unlimited wifi, an in-house fitness centre, a pre/post race massage at their Amani Spa and access to the steam room on a complimentary basis as an added value. The Radisson Blu’s chef will be offering all riders and their families a special carbo-loading buffet at the Tabu restaurant inside the hotel. 

Team Alphabodyworks/Giant manager Hannes van der Walt said staying at the Radisson Blu was one of the best experiences he and his team have had – from the friendly staff to the comfortable rooms, great food and free wifi. 

He said they were looking forward to staying there again because, besides the five-star service, it made the logistics easier to handle as the race starts across the road and manager meetings are in the hotel. 

“We can just basically book in and relax and get ready for our race,” Van der Walt said. 
“It’s by far the most well organised race I have taken part in. We can’t wait to be back.”

“It is a great honour to be associated with one of Port Elizabeth’s most prestigious sporting events, especially being an international brand welcoming travellers from out of town locally and abroad,” Port Elizabeth’s Radisson Blu general manager Yashvir Jithoo said.

“Serving and taking care of guests is our core business. This is achieved by adhering to international standards to ensure that we create memorable moments.

“In true Radisson Blu style, cyclists are also able to download the Radisson One Touch App for any requests they might have prior, or during their stay, to ensure all guests are as comfortable as possible,” Jithoo said. 

Following last year’s event, he said the hotel had received incredibly positive feedback from The Herald Continental Cycle Tour athletes, so the Radisson Blu is really looking forward to welcoming them back, as well as meeting some new faces. 

“Our team is all set and ready to make every moment matter for our guests taking part in this year’s event. 

“We are privileged to be involved in an event of this magnitude again and would like to thank The Herald and Continental South Africa for once again partnering with us,” Jithoo said.