Despite minor modifications, the Bestmed Jock Tour remains the ultimate challenge for South Africa’s top road cyclists, organisers said this week.
The peloton in a previous edition of the Bestmed Jock Classique event. Photo: Supplied
The three-day race, which is based around the town of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, will take place from July 15 to 17.
Wynand de Villiers from ASG Events said the second edition of what is arguably South Africa’s toughest stage race would closely resemble the 2015 version.
“It is going to be a showdown between the top professionals,” he said.
De Villiers said the Cycling SA-sanctioned race, an add-on to the traditional Jock Classique, would see riders cycling over 304km and tackling 7 200m of vertical ascent.
It was the only local race in which participants were tested according to European standards, he said.
“The 27km uphill time-trial between Nelspruit and the mountain town of Kaapsehoop on the day one will set the tone,” said De Villiers.
The second stage, a 140km stretch from Nelspruit to Nelspruit via White River and Sabie, is almost the same route used by the Classique, which takes place on the same day.
The final day sees riders climbing 3 100m on a 138km round trip via Kaapmuiden and Barberton.
De Villiers said riders could look forward to lunch after stages two and three at the Mbombela Stadium.
“We are trying to foster a nice atmosphere in the race village as we did with the Jock’s sister event, the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope.”
The Jock Tour, which is limited to a field of 500, is open to amateurs and pros across all age categories.
Riders who have already entered the Classique event and would like to upgrade to a discounted tour entry can do so at www.asgevents.co.za.
