Online entries are virtually streaming in for the first national classic of the year as prospective entrants rush to make the deadline for The Herald VWSA Cycle Tour, which is just less than week away. The mountain bike and road races will take place in Addo and Port Elizabeth on February 2 and 3. Justin Peel, The Herald's chief marketing officer, said the response had been excellent, with twice the number of entries received via the website compared to the same period last … [Read more...] about Cycle Tour deadline looms
Cycling
Kids Cycle Enduro
Due to demand from budding cyclists, The Herald VWSA Cycle Tour has introduced an "endurance" challenge for children called the Powerade 10km Sprint. Aimed at the 10 to 12 year age group, the latest addition to the Powerade-sponsored family road events effectively bridges the gap between the 21km Leisure Ride on the one side and the 2km Kiddies' Ride and 500m Toddlers' Dash on the other. According to event coordinator Linda Harwood, the new race fulfilled the organisers' vision to offer a … [Read more...] about Kids Cycle Enduro
Free mobile repairs at cycle tour
Following its successful launch last year, the Cyclo Pro/GT mobile repair unit will once again provide neutral technical support at The Herald VWSA Cycle Tour on February 2 and 3. According to GT regional manager Stephen Craddock, the service proved to be extremely popular among participants at both the mountain bike and road events in Addo and Port Elizabeth respectively. "It was unbelievable and the response was amazing. Hopefully people will be just as impressed this time round as they … [Read more...] about Free mobile repairs at cycle tour
Port Elizabeth set to pamper cyclists
With everything from camping facilities to five-star accommodation available, participants in The Herald VW Cycle Tour will be able to rest easy during their stay in Port Elizabeth. The annual weekend festival of cycling, which includes the road events in Port Elizabeth and the mountain bike races at Addo, is set for February 1 to 3 this year. Official accommodation sponsors Town Lodge PE, on the city's beachfront, and Zuurberg Mountain Village, at Addo, are offering special rates for … [Read more...] about Port Elizabeth set to pamper cyclists
Fit Enough for the Extreme Cycling Challenge?
Participants in The Herald VW Cycle Tour will have a chance to show their true mettle when they take on the new Ultimate Quest in Port Elizabeth and Addo from February 1 to 3. The Ultimate Quest is designed to reveal the supreme cyclist overall across both the 80km Extreme mountain bike challenge on the Saturday and 106km Classic road race on the Sunday. According to The Herald's chief marketing officer Justin Peel, the seed of the idea grew from organisers' vision to improve the offering … [Read more...] about Fit Enough for the Extreme Cycling Challenge?
Different set of wheels for this former Mayor
With 25 finishes to his credit, former Port Elizabeth mayor Charles Garai leads the bunch when it comes to The Herald VW Cycle Tour's exclusive green number club, which is reserved for participants who have done 10 or more editions of the 106km Classic. Veteran cyclist Garai has come a long way since his rather inelegant finish as part of the Saddle Bums social club in the inaugural event back in 1986. "I forgot to undo my toe straps and, upon stopping, keeled over in the middle of the … [Read more...] about Different set of wheels for this former Mayor
200 mountain bike enthusiasts take on the Hopewell hills
Around 200 riders of all ages gathered at Hopewell Conservation Estate early on Monday morning, December 17, to take part in a fun Open Ride celebrating the launch of three brand new mountain bike trails. Together with organisers of the Port Elizabeth's Masters and Ladies Cycling Club, the estate has set up three trails of varying intensities including a 12 km social ride, 20 km intermediate ride and 30 km advanced and technical ride. These tracks will be expanded to 90 kilometres of … [Read more...] about 200 mountain bike enthusiasts take on the Hopewell hills
R400 000 just for riding a bike!
With over R400 000 in prizes and some major changes in store, organisers are aiming to attract cyclists from across the country when The Herald VW Cycle Tour takes place in Addo and Port Elizabeth from February 2 to 3. According to event coordinator Linda Harwood, the 2013 edition would see bigger incentives, better routes and a brand-new race village, as well as the addition of the Ultimate Quest super-category. "We strive to keep this event fresh and exciting for both loyal and … [Read more...] about R400 000 just for riding a bike!
Extreme Addo Mountain Bike Challenge
Organisers of the Eastern Cape's biggest mountain bike event, The Herald VW Cycle Tour, will finally get to roll out their much-anticipated trails at Addo on February 2 after torrential rains rendered the new course unrideable this year. "I'm pleased to say that the 2012 downpours haven't put a damper on the enthusiasm for next year's event," said race director Brad Jackson of Mountain Events. "We have gone to great lengths to rain-proof large portions of the existing track by laying down … [Read more...] about Extreme Addo Mountain Bike Challenge
Augustyn thumbs up for Slanghoogte King of the Mountains hotspot
Port Elizabeth pro cyclist John Lee Augustyn, who made his mark in the mountains of the Tour de France, said he was looking forward to the route changes in the 28th edition of The Herald VW Cycle Tour on February 3. "I think the new climbs will definitely raise the standards and make the racing a little bit harder," said Augustyn. "This is good for the pros from a racing perspective and a fresh challenge for the average rider." The major alteration to the 106km Classic course, which … [Read more...] about Augustyn thumbs up for Slanghoogte King of the Mountains hotspot
Herald Cycle Tour gets new look
The 28th edition of The Herald Cycle Tour sponsored by VWSA, which takes place in Port Elizabeth and Addo from February 1 to 3, will feature brand-new initiatives and fantastic prizes, organisers announced today. Title sponsor Volkswagen Group South Africa, who will be giving away a VW Polo 1.4 Trendline worth R170 000, has committed itself to the event for the ninth year running. The total prize purse has been increased to R114 000, with R10 000 going to the winners of the Ultimate Quest … [Read more...] about Herald Cycle Tour gets new look
New Port Elizabeth mountain biking trail
Port Elizabeth's Masters and Ladies Cycling Club is expanding on its successful road cycling activities by adding mountain biking to its calendar. The club is going off-road with its own mountain biking trail, which will have direct access through the Hopewell nature reserve. It is proposed to have a reception facility in former stables on a property which forms part of the three thousand hectare Hopewell estate. The estate is one of South Africa's only nature reserves with a residential … [Read more...] about New Port Elizabeth mountain biking trail
ex Woodridge College Dusi Duke targets Berg & Bush
Seven-time Dusi canoe marathon champion and new Freedom Challenge record-holder Martin Dreyer will be alongside wife Jeannie when she makes her comeback to racing at the three-day FedGroup Berg & Bush in KwaZulu-Natal from October 26. Martin is originally from Port Elizabeth where he attended the Woodridge College and Preparatory schools. Martin and Jeannie are now based in Pietermaritzburg and ride in the colours of USN/Hi-Tec. The couple are one of the fancied pairs in the highly … [Read more...] about ex Woodridge College Dusi Duke targets Berg & Bush
Cape Epic – Coetzee Gouws and Eating Like There is no Tomorrow
Local PR company owner and sportswriter, Coetzee Gouws recently completed the 2012 Cape Epic. Coetzee had the following to say about his notable achievement: Apart from the obvious brain freeze that leads to you entering the Absa Cape Epic, this race is all about making smart choices. The first thing to get right is to select the correct partner. One who knows when to keep quiet is a good start. After that, a multitude of decisions - like nutrition, gear and prep - riddle the long, … [Read more...] about Cape Epic – Coetzee Gouws and Eating Like There is no Tomorrow
A Biking Elephant for the Challenge?
One of the more diverse and exciting Mountain Bike and Trail runs in the Eastern Cape will be taking place on Saturday 5th May within the Alexandria Forest region. The Woody Cape MTB and Trail Challenge is an exciting event for off-road athletes with four simultaneously running events on offer. A tough 55km Mountain Bike Event will be paired with an equally exciting but somewhat less strenuous 18km version whilst for the trail running enthusiasts organisers Zports have mapped out a … [Read more...] about A Biking Elephant for the Challenge?
