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Berge & Dale returns to the road for iconic 22nd edition

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The popular Krugersdorp-based cycling event Berge & Dale will return to the road when the 22nd edition takes place on February 26 and 27, 2022, at Protearif Primary. Photo: Henk Neuhoff Photography

The popular Krugersdorp-based cycling event Berge & Dale will return to the road when the 22nd edition takes place on February 26 and 27, 2022, at Protearif Primary.

After having had to cancel this year’s edition due to Covid-19 uncertainties, organisers Slipstream Events look forward to welcoming riders back to this event, which is renowned for its challenging and hilly route – and in particular the sting in the tail climb to the finish.

Following the 109km – which is an official seeding event for Ride Joburg – and 60km road races on Saturday, the event will also introduce a mountain bike event with distances of 45km and 20km at Kings Kloof.

The 45km MTB race, with 1 000m of ascent, is challenging and technical, and should only be attempted by fit and experienced mountain bikers.

There will be new sections cut for the 20km race.

Race director Erick Oosthuizen said the Berge & Dale is such an iconic event in the West Rand and has been since it started 22 years ago.

“As a cyclist, you always know that when you ride here, you’re not necessarily in for a flat and easy outing.

“This year is no different with the long-distance finishing with two of the West Rand’s best-known climbs, Hekpoort and Sterkfontein.”

He added that to keep with the “hilly theme”, there will be a not-so-flat mountain bike race on Sunday.

“There’s an easy 20km option for all and sundry, with the 45km distance for the hardened riders.”

The last time Berge & Dale winners were crowned, was in 2020 with Travis Barrett and Joanna van de Winkel taking the respective titles.

After competing in the event three times, this marked Cape Town Cycle Tour champion Barrett’s first Classic victory.

For Van de Winkel, it was special to have her children cheer her on at the finish, coming up solo to win.

Adding to the excitement and anticipation, Everything.Insure has officially come on board as the event’s title sponsor.

Their products extend to every facet of life, from personal home and car to business assets, professional indemnity, to death and disability cover.

“We’re pleased to see cycling back after a period of uncertainty and limited events, so it was an easy decision for us to partner with Berge & Dale to bring the community the event that will kick start our 2022 cycling calendar,” said Werner Slabbert, Executive Head: First Equity PSG Division.

He added that with most of us having to live socially distanced and largely sedentary lives, he feels cycling is the one sport that can enable a healthy and active lifestyle.

“With the partnership between Everything.Insure and Berge & Dale, we hope to bring back a degree of normal life to the cycling community.”

Slabbert said Everything.Insure is a digital insurance marketplace for everyone wanting to insure anything.

“The Berge & Dale is a race for the experienced riders and novices, and we have added an MTB event; so, the 2022 E.I Berge & Dale will be for everyone too.”

Oosthuizen said he is extremely happy to have Everything.Insure on board and trust that this is only the beginning of a long partnership.

“Cycling had gone through such a trying time in the last 24 months, and with a little bit of help from people like them (E.I) we can try and steady the ship, and move on from there.”

Entry fees:

Road – 109km: R380; 60km: R260
MTB – 45km: R230; 20km: R180

Categories:

109km
Elite & U/23 Men
Licensed Ladies (Elite & Junior)
Vets Men 30+
Vets Men 40+
Vets Men 50+
Junior Men
U/17 Boys
Tandem
Open
E-Bikes

60km
U/17 Girls
U/15 Boys
Tandem
Open
E-Bikes

Entries:

Entries close February 18, or as soon as the entry limits have been reached: Road – 2 000 entrants; MTB – 500 entrants.

Enter on www.bergeendale.co.za.

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.