All roads will lead to Pretoria as the capital city plays host to the inaugural Bestmed Capital Classic road race on May 17.
Pretoria will play host to the inaugural Bestmed Capital Classic road race on May 17. Photo: Supplied
Organisers ASG Events believe the new 99km race, which rolls out from SuperSport Park in Centurion, is set to become the city’s signature mass participation cycling event.
Rider safety is of paramount importance on the busy Gauteng roads; therefore there will be partial road closures in effect along the Ben Schoeman highway and N14 freeway to Muldersdrift near Krugersdorp.
The Tshwane, Mogale City and Johannesburg metropolitan police departments, provincial traffic authorities and ASG officials will patrol the out-and-back route, which features minimal road crossings and right turns for maximum safety.
Race director Wynand de Villiers said the event had been four years in the making and the official support of all relevant state departments and national agencies such as Sanral meant that riders could look forward to the safest possible riding environment.
“This event will be a much needed addition to the Pretoria cycling calendar and gives Gauteng cyclists a fantastic challenge as we head towards the colder months.”
De Villiers said his organisation presented several national road classics around the country, including the Action Ford Berge en Dale, Emperors Palace Classic, Bestmed Satellite Classic, Sondela SuperClassic and Jock Cycle Classique.
“Pretoria doesn’t have any significant long-distance road events, so we believe this has the potential to become the big one-day ride.”
He said the race, which features just 800m of climbing, would start at 7am and allowed plenty of time for social riders to finish before the 2pm cut-off.
“At the race village, massage therapists will be on hand to soothe tired leg muscles, while bike mechanics will be there to handle any technical problems.”
De Villiers said the event was well timed to coincide with the Pretoria Family Festival at the same venue.
“So it’s a great day out for the whole family, with something to keep everyone entertained.”
