The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, will continue its drive to make a difference in the lives of others through next year's event.

The Uthando Cycle Youth Academy is one of the beneficiaries of next year's Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Doing what they love are, from left, Wanga Mtwebana, Ahlumile Madikana, Lutho Mabanga, Anele Cakwebe and Lundi Kakana. Photo: Supplied

The 36th edition of the popular Eastern Cape race, which includes mountain bike and road options, will take place at the Addo Polo Club on February 13 and in Gqeberha on February 19 and 20.

While the cycle tour has a history of giving back to the community, it is constantly finding new ways to support charity organisations.

That is why the organisers have included a new beneficiary in the Uthando Cycle Youth Academy as well as a project aimed at improving the safety of commuters who use bicycles.

The Reach for a Dream Foundation, involved since 2009, and Smile Foundation are other organisations to benefit financially from the event.

Through the Helmet Heroes campaign the organisers are raising funds to purchase new helmets while also collecting pre-loved ones. Their aim is to donate 100 helmets to commuters in the Walmer township, situated on the route, as part of the race's vision to promote a safer cycling environment.

Meanwhile, members of the Uthando Cycle Youth Academy, a non-profit organisation founded by Luthando Fatyi in New Brighton and Algoa Park, are excited at the prospect of taking part in the events.

"This development means so much for us," said Fatyi, who set up the academy to try to offer children in the townships a healthy exercise option.

"For some it will be their first big event they have ever raced or attended, and we can't wait for the opportunity to be part of this festival of cycling.

"My message to the cyclists is never give up until you have crossed the finish line, while I would also encourage businesses in the Eastern Cape to support our cause."

He added that the academy provided cycling, running and recreational activities to youth to get them off the streets and to try to prevent substance abuse and crime.

"Also, we want to instil in them the ability to dream and to achieve their goals."

Fatyi said the children in the townships would love to start cycling but very few had the means.

"We subscribe to the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' and naturally we would love more support for the academy.

"The cycle tour is an ideal opportunity to tell the public more about the academy and to expose the children to the benefits of healthy exercise."

Gqeberha branch manager Michelle van Huysteen said the Reach for a Dream Foundation's journey with the Herald Cycle Tour was paved with special memories and beautiful dreams fulfilled through its support.

"Reach for a Dream's core purpose is to fulfil the dreams of children of any race, colour and creed between the ages of three and 18 faced with a life-threatening illness," she said.

"The foundation has been doing so all around the country for 33 years and with our theme for 2022 – journey of hope – we cannot wait to join hands with all the role-players to make a difference in the lives of these brave children."

She said the link with the Herald tour had allowed them to fulfil 11 "beautiful dreams" following last year's event.

"The foundation's aim is to inspire every child to believe in the power of dreams and take them on a journey of hope that inspires, encourages and shows care, acceptance and kindness."

Van Huysteen added that they were proud to be part of the cycling classic.

"We do not merely view it, its partners and cyclists as donors of dreams; it feels like family.

"We are honoured that our brand is associated with one of the most recognisable sporting events in the Eastern Cape and love that there is a strong focus on the family."

The Smile Foundation has been part of the Herald Cycle Tour for two years, hosting its annual cyclethon as part of the activities in the race village in 2020.

This was used to create awareness and raise funds for the organisation, according to Eastern Cape hospital coordinator Tanya Jackson.

She added that cyclists had the opportunity to contribute by donating when they entered online or by participating in the Smile Foundation Cyclethon.

"All funds raised go towards plastic and reconstructive surgery for children, fitting in with the foundation's mission of transforming the lives of children with facial anomalies," said Jackson.

"It is a non-profit organisation that brings people together for the purpose of providing expert surgical intervention."

Visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za to enter before midnight on February 6.

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, has launched the Helmet Heroes initiative to promote safe cycling in the city. Photo: Supplied

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, is on a mission to improve the safety of commuters who live on the race route with the launch of its Helmet Heroes project.

The aim is to collect at least 100 helmets in the lead-up to the 36th edition of the Eastern Cape cycling classic, which takes place on February 20, for distribution to those who do not have this essential equipment.

The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters said one of the event’s objectives was to promote and encourage safe cycling.

“This applies to those who are competing in the sport or who are just regular commuters,” she said.

“Often times we come across riders and commuters on their bicycles who are without helmets. In most cases this is due to a lack of access or the means to afford safety kit.

“A salient aspect of The Herald Cycle Tour is to ensure we educate the community about rider safety and, where possible, provide the means to essential kit. Not only does it foster safe cycling, but it also empowers those who really need it.

“Part of that is inaugurating a helmet drive through our entrants with a target donation of at least 100 helmets by the end of the race.”

The Herald Cycle Tour traditionally attracts around 3 000 entrants and she said there were two ways in which competitors could contribute.

“Riders are encouraged to make a cash donation when entering online. All proceeds collected will be used for the purchase of new helmets.

“Alternatively,” she said, “supporters of the project can drop off pre-loved helmets at the registration venue, where containers will be placed for this purpose.”

Ulay-Walters said the Helmet Heroes drive would support cyclists and commuters in need of helmets within the Walmer township area – a location that has formed part of The Herald Cycle Tour’s road race route for many years.

Taglined Live the Ride, the programme starts with the mountain bike races at Addo Polo Club on February 13, followed by the road programme at Pollok Beach on February 19 and 20.

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by NMBM, is positioned as a festival of cycling for the whole family.

The 80km Extreme tops the bill on the off-road programme. Other options include the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 30km Tandem, 5km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.

The 106km Classic for various racing categories anchors the road programme on the Sunday, with the 55km Adventure for age groups and tandems completing the options. The 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash take place on the Saturday.

Racing and performing well in the feature events in both disciplines can land participants the coveted Ultimate Quest title.

Entries close at midnight on February 6.

Go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za to enter.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is continuing its drive to become a sporting destination of choice by partnering with the iconic The Herald Cycle Tour in Gqeberha.

In its bid to position itself as a sporting destination of choice, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has signed on as title sponsors of the 36th The Herald Cycle Tour. Photo: Supplied

This 36th edition, taglined Live the Ride, starts with the mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on February 13 followed by the road programme at Pollok Beach on February 19 and 20.

Having showcased the region for more than three decades and believed to be the second oldest cycling event in the country, metro spokeswoman Rebecca Nyangaresi-Gatang’i said it made sense to come on board as title sponsors.

“We have taken a deliberate decision to strategically position ourselves as a sporting destination and this is reflected in our integrated development plan and events policy,” she said.

“On this basis, it made sense for us to enter into a partnership with The Herald to work towards achieving that objective.”

Nyangaresi-Gatang’i felt there would be multiple spin-offs for the city.

“An event of this nature will definitely assist with sports tourism in our region as it has a big following and profiles the city to a broader national audience.

“It also makes a much-needed contribution to local business and provides the metro with the perfect platform to demonstrate its hosting ability, venues in the city and services it provides.

She said the tour also helped to cultivate a culture of cycling in the city and had a major impact on development projects.

“It is the perfect chance for Nelson Mandela Bay residents to participate in a prestigious event on their doorstep.

“We would also like to encourage out-of-town athletes to bring their families and friends to enjoy our city and experience what the region has to offer.”

The Herald Cycle Tour, which traditionally attracts around 3 000 participants across the two disciplines, is positioned as a festival of cycling with options for the whole family.

The 80km Extreme is the feature event on the off-road programme. It is supported by the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 30km Tandem, 5km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.

Sunday’s road programme is anchored by the 106km Classic for various racing categories, with the 55km Adventure for age groups and tandems completing the action-packed day.

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

Those with designs on racing the feature events in both disciplines can target the Ultimate Quest title, which aims to identify the top allrounders.

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by NMBM, has again drawn support from a wide range of businesses.

Corporates included in the sponsorship family are: Eastern Cape Motors-Ford North End (vehicle sponsors), Radisson Blu Hotel (accommodation), Powerade (hydration), Cadar (print), Relay EMS (medical) and K&W Events and Amusements (infrastructure).

The event also generates funds for the Smile Foundation, Reach for a Dream, The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund and Uthando Youth Cycling Academy.

Entrants can also support the Helmet Heroes initiative, which has been introduced this year.

Aimed at educating and providing protection for those who commute by bicycle, organisers set themselves the target of distributing 100 helmets to people on the race route.

Participants can make a token donation when entering or drop of pre-loved helmets at registration.

Entries for The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by NMBM, open on Friday (October 1) and close at midnight on February 6.

To enter and for other news and information, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

To all our Herald Cycle Tour Riders, 

We hope that you are all keeping well and safe. 

Following the President’s announcement on Tuesday, 15 June, we are once again impelled into a space where planning for a mass participation event under current level 3 restrictions pose a challenge – even more so that the duration thereof is indefinite. The everchanging shift in outdoor capacity permissions has caused such a major deterrent in allowing us to go ahead with The Herald Cycle Tour MTB Race, which we were hoping to host this year. 

With that being said, we have made the decision (and not an easy one) to cancel 2021’s Herald Cycle Tour MTB race and will spend the remainder of this year planning for 2022’s Cycle Tour event – for both the MTB and Road racing disciplines.

Yes, one cannot say that we will or will not find ourselves in the same confined situation, however the next few months will allow us more time to intensively plan every possible scenario for next year’s event.  

As a team, we will always strive to stage an event that will provide riders and their families a memorable cycling experience (we don’t believe in sub-standard!), and we’re grateful that the next few months will allow us the time to plan and create a cycling space that everyone can enjoy.  

Dates have been set for 2022. Please diarise the below confirmed dates. Entries will open later this year 2021. 

2022 dates:

• MTB Race: Sunday, 13 February 2022, Addo Polo Club

• Road Race: Sunday, 20 February 2022, Pollok Beach, Summerstrand

Rider entries that have been paid for in 2021 will be transferred over to 2022 at no additional cost. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us on: heraldcycletour@arena.africa

Thank you all for understanding this very difficult situation we find ourselves in. We will definitely see you at the start line next year in February!

Kind Regards,

The Herald Cycle Tour Team.

To All Herald Cycle Tour riders and spectators, 

The last few months have been challenging to say the least – throwing us all into unfamiliar spaces and having to operate under arduous circumstances. Despite the complexities, it’s helped us gain perspective in learning to adapt to these challenges. As event organisers it has helped us adapt and navigate our way around a new environment particularly within the outdoor sports and eventing landscape. 

As with many other organised outdoor events, 2021’s Herald Cycle Tour planning has taken a much more intensive approach as we micro-manage every aspect of the event. We are keeping close contact with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that plans are conducive to current and future circumstances from a health and safety protocol perspective. 

After months of consultation with relevant stakeholders and after mapping out and analysing every scenario possible, the final outcome and decision of hosting the Cycle Tour event is influenced by what has and will always remain our first and most important priority . . . the safety and security of our riders, spectators and stakeholders on race day.  

While government has eased restrictions with the transition to level 1, we as organisers still have a sole responsibility of ensuring that every facet of the race is regulated under Covid-19 protocols. With that in mind, the planning of the road race event has proven to be a challenge as all operational measures under a Covid-19 environment require extended racing time. This consequently means extended safety and security measures - road closures, traffic, crowd control, fire and disaster management. While limitations have made it difficult to organise and implement, the economic downturn has equally, if not more-so, contributed to the deferment of many sporting events, including our very own Herald Cycle Tour. The restraint in budgetary support has resulted in the intermission of the event’s spend and this contributes predominantly towards the safety and security aspects of the road race event – one that we will not compromise. 

Taking into account all these factors, we as organisers, along with our longstanding partners have made the decision to split the MTB and road race event and host the two cycling disciplines separately next year. The MTB will take place in February 2021 and the Road race yet to be confirmed. 

The MTB race in Addo is one that we prepared and equipped to host in February, as the Addo Polo Club venue and environment affords us the flexibility to manage controlled group rides without the complexities of extended road closures and safety measures. The dynamic of the environment also lends itself well in that we’re ready and able to swiftly adapt to change in regulations and implement in accordance to government compliance, ensuring that rider safety is first and foremost our priority. 

The Herald Cycle Tour celebrates 36 years of cycling legacy and heritage, of community comradery and of bringing individuals of all walks of life together and there is one thing that we can proudly say that this pandemic can’t take away, and that is the love of cycling. 

Continue the ride! LIVE THE RIDE!

We hope to see you all next year.

Yours in Cycling,

The Herald Cycle Tour Team

Team Alfa Bodyworks/Giant will be aiming for the top step of the podium when they take to the start line of this year’s Herald Cycle Tour road race on Sunday morning. This was said by Alfa rider Hannes van der Walt, who expressed his excitement at being able to once again take part in one of the most popular races on the cycling calendar.

Featuring the 106km Coastal Classic as well as the 55km Pursuit, riders of all ages and skill levels will have their skills tested on the breathtaking course. Born in Port Elizabeth, but now based in Cape Town, Van der Walt said he and the rest of the team were ready to put their intense training and preparations to the test. “We did not win last year, so it was not ideal for us as a team, but we have an Olympic sprinter, Bernard Esterhuizen, in our team, so if we can get him to the line I think we would have a good chance of coming out on top,” Van der Walt said. With national U23 time trial champion Byron Munton also in their ranks, Van der Walt said the team had all the necessary tools to execute a racewinning performance. “We are all ready for the c h a l l e n g e. “With the likes of Munton, Esterhuizen and others, in the team, I know we can put on a good race and perhaps even finish on the top step at the end of the 106km course. ““It also depends on who our opponents will be. “We don’t know who is taking part from the other teams, so we just need to do our best,” he said.

Van der Walt said the direction of the wind could be a factor as it could force teams to change their tactics. “If it’s a headwind at Maitlands, I think it could see a sprint finish with a big group, but if it is a tailwind, then the group could split and only a few guys might find themselves in the sprint for the finish line. “We actually prefer windier conditions because it really exposes the stronger riders. “There is no hiding in the bunch, so we are really looking forward to the race,” Asked what made this one of the best races on the calendar, he said: “As a team we have been to this event for a number of years, it is one of the oldest races in the country. “The scenery is amazing and there are some great views of the coast. “The course is incredible with a mixture of tough and slightly easier sections, so it will test all of the cyclists’ capabilities. “I think a lot of riders would agree, because everything about this event is so well co - o r d i n at e d . “I think many riders will say the same thing because the organisers really think of every way to make sure the competitors are well taken care of.”

Collection of race packs will take place from today from 9am to 7pm at the Lifesaving Club, Pollok Beach, as well as tomorrow from 9am to 1pm.