AMONG FAVOURITES: Gqeberha's Anriëtte Schoeman is eager to rise to the challenge in the 80km Extreme mountain bike race at The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, at Addo on Sunday. Image: Supplied

Despite precious little competitive racing under her belt of late, local cycling star Anriette Schoeman is looking forward to saddling up for The Herald Cycle Tour Mountain Bike race in Addo on Sunday.

Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the race starts and finishes on the fields of the Addo Polo Club, with hundreds of avid mountain bikers tackling the plethora of challenges that await them on the course.

Headlining the mountain bike programme will be the 80km Extreme distance, supported by the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 5km Kiddies' Ride and 500m Toddlers' Dash.

The mountain bike routes wind through the picturesque Addo bushveld and ensure riders experience some of SA's finest single-track trails, topped off with stunning views over the vast Addo region.

Schoeman, a multiple winner of the HCT road race, said though she was not at her usual race sharpness, she looked forward to being part of one of her favourite races on the calendar.

"Coming from a road background, I am not always too keen on a lot of technical stuff, but the HCT is very balanced, it has a good mix of gravel roads and single track, so it is a tough day out but if you ride clever and manage yourself, it is actually enjoyable," Schoeman said.

Having been out of competitive racing for a prolonged period, Schoeman said she had no clear expectations for Sunday's challenge.

"I will be really happy if I can get a podium, I don't have too many expectations going into Sunday's race, being out of the competitive saddle for so long, I cannot accurately pinpoint where I am at.

"Being a competitive sportsperson, I will give my best once the start gun fires," she said.

Meanwhile, Rogan Smart is using the race to pinpoint where he is at as he looks ahead to his first Cape Epic later in the year.

TESTING CHALLENGE: Mossel Bay professional rider Rogan Smart, front, is looking forward to testing his fitness levels in Sunday's 80km Extreme mountain bike race Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in Addo. He is tracked by eventual 2022 HCT mountain bike winner Marco Joubert. Image: SUPPLIED

"I may not come into this race at my absolute freshest, but our focus is on bigger races later this year and this is a great way to kick off a busy period of racing.

"It is probably going to be really hot, as it always is, so that will be a nice adaptation.

"I then race in the PE to Plett race about 10 days after this race," he said.

While he had no specific plan on how he wanted his race to unfold, Smart felt the winner would be the rider who managed their race and all the challenges best.

"It all depends on the race start, and then you make decisions based on how you are feeling and what your competitors are doing.

"The field usually stays together until the bottom of the pass, before it separates and you see who is in good shape and feeling all right.

"There are some punchy ups and downs on the single track, there are some really hard sections in there.

"It is usually getting quite warm by then, so if you save something for that and are feeling all right, you can get away up one of those steep, nasty climbs.

"The last 20km are pretty fast open roads through the farmlands, so if you are still together there, it will be difficult getting away from anyone and you will have to back your sprint for the finish," he said.

Besides enjoying the well-maintained, purpose-built trails, riders will also take in some of the most breathtaking scenery the region has to offer.

The mountain bike race village will offer a family tent with a kiddies play area, pop-up coffee and food trucks, fresh farm produce for sale, and bar facilities.

MTB and road race participants will stand a chance to win a 2023 Emonda SL5 in size 56 valued at R50,000, to be awarded to the winner of the lucky draw.

Entries will be valid for MTB and road race participants and the winner must be present at the medal ceremony to claim their prize.

Participants in The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, will be able to rehydrate with Powerade, Coke and water at the various waterpoints, courtesy of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. At the finish, Powerade is on the drinks menu for adults while entrants in the kids’ events will be treated to a Bonaqua bottled water. Photo: Supplied

The Herald Cycle Tour’s preferred energy drink, Powerade, believes that to stop for a moment is as powerful as relentlessly pushing ahead.

“We are rewriting the rules of winning by declaring that to pause and take a moment to regroup and reflect is a sign of power,” said Sanri Engelbrecht, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) district manager for Nelson Mandela Bay.

She said the ability to choose when and how to pause – in other words rethinking, replenishing and reenergising on your own terms – was an act of power.

The 300ml smart pack available to participants of this year’s mountain bike and road races was therefore “perfect for a small pause and bigger wins”, according to Engelbrecht.

Representatives of Powerade will welcome riders home at the respective finish lines and ensure their spirits remain high after a tough day in the saddle by providing music and energy drinks.

Engelbrecht said the beverage company would also stock the refreshment stations on the various routes with Powerade, Coca-Cola and water to keep participants properly hydrated throughout their effort.

Being on the race routes provides a platform for the company to demonstrate the value of its energy drink, which contains vitamin B3, B5 and B6 to aid the conversion of food into energy.

The products will also be available at the two race villages through vendors at family picnic zones, tents, beer gardens, the VIP lounge at the road classic and other consumer interaction points.

Engelbrecht said they were proud to partner with the Eastern Cape’s flagship cycling event, which is hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and looked forward to grow with the event.

“The Herald Cycle Tour is one of the best races for elite riders and this provides a great opportunity for us to connect with our consumers through their passion for cycling. We really value this opportunity.

“Through our Powerade brand, we get to be part of our consumers’ fitness journey. We get to celebrate their personal bests, no matter how big or small.”

As an athlete herself, Engelbrecht said she felt in tune with the Powerade promise encapsulated within its hashtag of #AlwaysForward.

She was also impressed with the support the race garnered from the public, media as well as public and private organisations and, in turn, by its investment in various local charities.

The 37th edition of the cycling festival includes mountain bike races of various distances from the Addo Polo Club on February 12 and road events from Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on February 18 and 19.

Participants are reminded to support the Helmet Heroes initiative when they enter online or collect their race packs at the registration venues.

Go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za to register. Entries close at midnight on February 5.

Standard Bank has invested in the hospitality area at the 37th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. It takes place at Addo and in Gqeberha next month. Photo: Richard Pearce

Standard Bank has promised to roll out the red carpet to clients and selected participants alike as the financial institution prepares to cycle in tandem with The Herald Cycle Tour for the first time next month.

Unathi Maqalekane, provincial head of Standard Bank's client coverage in the Eastern Cape, said it would invest in the hospitality area at the road events on February 18 and 19.

Apart from looking after its clients, It Can Be an unforgettable experience for the select few who have "won" access to the VIP tent via lucky draw.

Although the sponsorship was for the 37th edition of one of the country's most iconic cycling classics, he said there was a strong interest to stay involved beyond 2023.

"We hope to be a continued sponsor as we realise The Herald Cycle Tour is one of the signature events which our customers and stakeholders eagerly anticipate each year.

"We have cultivated sound relationships with external stakeholders over many years, which have opened the door to a range of opportunities such as this."

Maqalekane said The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, had developed into a major event that created opportunities for them to connect with various parties.

"It has been part of the Eastern Cape for many years and, as such, Standard Bank's involvement affords us the opportunity to build the brand and create relevance in the markets where the Standard Bank Group operates."

He was of the opinion that the tour provided "the perfect platform" for it to engage with its customers.

Furthermore, he noted that the event had a built-in sustainable and socially relevant cause that would help shape the bank's reputation while growing the discipline in which it had invested.

Maqalekane said he hoped to celebrate alongside the participants at the finish line.

"I want to say to all the riders the best of luck as you tackle some challenging climbs along our beautiful coastline. Dig deep and remember the training which has led you to this point."

This year's cycling festival starts with the mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on February 12. The distances of 80km, 60km, 30km, 5km and 500m offers options to the experienced and inexperienced as well as the young and old.

The road programme kicks into gear at the race village on Pollok Beach in Gqeberha the following weekend. The 2km and 500m events for kids are scheduled for the Saturday with the much anticipated 106km and 55km races starting and finishing in the shadow of the Radisson Blu Hotel on the Sunday.

At the heart of the event is its association with various charitable initiatives such as the Smile Foundation, Reach for a Dream, The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund and Uthando Cycle Youth Academy.

In addition, the Helmet Heroes concept was introduced last year to campaign for safer commuting by bicycle. The aim is to distribute 100 helmets to people on the race route after the event.

Participants can contribute on the entry portal or by depositing their unwanted headgear in the containers provided at the race villages during registration.

For more information, or to beat the February 5 entry deadline, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za. Entrants stand a chance of winning a Trek bicycle worth R40 000.

The Radisson Blu Hotel aims to leverage its association with The Herald Cycle Tour to showcase Nelson Mandela Bay. Photo: Supplied

Showcasing the best of the Bay is at the heart of the Radisson Blu Hotel's plans as they prepare to link up with The Herald Cycle Tour for the sixth straight year in February 2023.

Radisson marketing manager Sigourney Bruintjies believed that iconic events such as the cycle tour reflected positively on Gqeberha and that the resultant sentiment had economic spin-offs for businesses.

The 37th running of the tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for the second time, will be based at Addo for the mountain bike events and Pollok Beach in the shadow of the hotel for the road races.

Bruintjies said the company's association with The Herald Cycle Tour had been a significant partnership.

"We have nurtured it since its inception and hope to make the relationship even stronger in coming years," she said. "It's pretty exciting being part of the event – especially on race day!"

Having cyclists whizz past in the basement on race day, seeing them fill up the road in front of the hotel and watching them fight the wind brought a special buzz to the hotel and beachfront, she said.

"Being the only international hotel in the region, we are demonstrating that the Eastern Cape is capable of hosting events that draw people from around the country and abroad.

"When Gqeberha hosts these sports events, it showcases our beautiful city and what we are capable of."

Her message to participants was to maximise every day and to continue inspiring those around them.

"Cycling in the Windy City can be quite intense. The grit, resilience and determination of cyclists are truly inspiring."

With its panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, the Radisson Blu aims to create meaningful and memorable experiences in a stylish environment.

Guests are typically individuals known as "smart maximisers". They are successful, sophisticated and always on the move, seamlessly blending business and leisure.

"They see every trip as an opportunity to get the best of both worlds," explained Bruintjies, "getting the work done but also taking a moment to enjoy their time."

The hotel will offer complimentary rooms, preferential rates and conference venues for the media as part of the agreement. There are also prizes for the road and mountain bike events as well as an enticing giveaway on social media.

The mountain bike races (80km, 60km, 30km, 5km and 500m) take place on February 12 with the road programme following on February 18 (2km and 500m) and 19 (106km and 55km).

In addition, there is the Ultimate Quest for those who fancy taking part in the feature races of both disciplines.

Entries are open until February 5: www.heraldcycletour.co.za

The Herald Cycle Tour team celebrate the donation of 50 helmets to commuters in the Walmer township area after the first Helmet Heroes campaign. Photo: Supplied

The safety of people who commute by bicycle on the city's roads will again be a priority as the organisers of the Eastern Cape's most iconic cycling event roll out the second Helmet Heroes campaign.

The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, launched the initiative alongside the 2022 race and marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters said they were banking on increased support from participants and the public.

In the first year 50 helmets were donated to commuters who live on the race route in the vicinity of the Walmer township and now organisers have their sights set on doubling that number.

"A fundamental component of the event is to ensure we continuously educate the community about rider safety," said Ulay-Walters, "and this is where the idea of the Helmet Heroes campaign stems from.

"Often we come across commuters without helmets and, as advocates of rider safety, we want to ensure that we provide those in need with the essential safety gear."

She said participants could contribute by making a cash donation when entering online.

"All proceeds will be used for the purchase of new helmets. Alternatively, supporters of the project can place pre-loved helmets in the donation boxes at the registration venue."

Ulay-Walters also encouraged riders to contribute to The Herald's Christmas Cheer Fund.

She explained that Nelson Mandela Bay's premier charity drive ran throughout the year but that it encouraged a spirit of goodwill over the festive period.

"We ask the public to donate any amount of money in aid of the less fortunate in our community."

Funds collected go to children in places of safety and care as well as to the aged, poor, sick and disabled.

"This way we can help them experience some cheer during the Christmas season," said Ulay-Walters.

Besides Helmet Heroes and Christmas Cheer, the 37th running of the tour will be used to raise money for the Reach for a Dream Foundation, Uthando Youth Cycling Academy and Smile Foundation.

Michelle van Huyssteen of Reach for a Dream said 2023 would mark the 15th year of a "beautiful relationship".

"Our journey with the cycle tour started in 2009 when we were invited to participate as a beneficiary of the kiddies' races. The years since then have been paved with special memories and so many beautiful dreams being fulfilled."

She added that benefits received from the last tour had enabled them to fulfil "six wonderful bicycle dreams".

"Our aim is to inspire every child to believe in the power of dreams and to take them on a journey of hope," said Van Huyssteen.

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

Luthando Fatyi, who founded Uthando in New Brighton and Algoa Park, said its members had won all the way after being included in the cycle tour for the first time in 2022.

"It really means a lot to our cyclists to be part of the event. Getting a chance to race against the top riders was very special."

In addition, funds donated to the academy enabled it to travel beyond Nelson Mandela Bay to races such as the national omnium track championships in Gauteng.

The Herald Cycle Tour's mountain bike races will take place from the Addo Polo Club on February 12 with the road programme following in Gqeberha on February 18 and 19.

To enter or for more info, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

The Eastern Cape Motors North End team will be among the participants in next year’s The Herald Cycle Tour, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. They are, from left, Mario Claassen, Troy Theodosiou and Brendon Jordaan. Photo: Supplied

The Eastern Cape Motor Group's vehicles are set to fly around the streets of Gqeberha and trails around Addo as it continues a proud legacy of giving The Herald Cycle Tour 'wheeels'.

North End Sales Manager Dale Cuthbert, the group's tour coordinator, said the partnership fell in line with the company's drive to support local events while allowing it to showcase its cars to the perfect target audience.

With its Ford range providing class-leading on and off-road options, he said the vehicles were well suited to the logistical requirements of 37th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour, which is hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for the second year running.

All in all, the ECMG has pledged 26 vehicles – including the Ranger, Everest and EcoSport – to be used by event organisers and officials for the mountain bike races and road events.

"We will supply the lead vehicle and many support vehicles," confirmed Cuthbert. "Some well before the event to assist with preparation and logistics and many just prior to and on the day of the events."

He said their vehicle line-up fits exceptionally well with the adventure and sporting lifestyles of participants.

The Group started its lengthy partnership with the event in 1986 – the very first edition of the race. After a short break, the association was renewed in 2017.

"We are looking to take this well into the future because we appreciate the significance of investing in the region," said Cuthbert.

"As a largely Eastern Cape-based company, we are very proud and privileged to have the region as our foundation and base.

"It's important for us to back our colleagues across the board, especially when The Herald Cycle Tour is a world-class event in every respect."

Exceptional organisation, participants from all walks of life and across a range of ages were elements that made it stand out, according to Cuthbert.

"This premier sporting event showcases our wonderful city and environs so well, it's always a privilege for us to be involved."

The mountain bike races – consisting of 80km, 60km, 30km, 5km and 500m options across the age spectrum – take place on February 12 from the Addo Polo Cub.

The road programme at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha follows on February 18 and 19 with the 2km and 500m kids' events on the Saturday and the 106km and 55km races on the Sunday.

Those who compete in the feature races across both disciplines will qualify for the Ultimate Quest competition.

At the heart of the iconic event is its association with various charitable initiatives such as the Smile Foundation, Reach for a Dream, The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund and Uthando Youth Cycling Academy.

Last year, the organisers also introduced the Helmet Heroes initiative aimed at safer cycling for commuters who live on the race route. The aim is to distribute 100 helmets after the 2023 event.

Entries close at midnight on February 5. Enter or find more info at www.heraldcycletour.co.za.