A variety of routes will be the chief incentive for riders when the Bestmed Satellite Classic takes place near Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West Province on October 22.
More than 3 500 participants are expected to take part in the Bestmed Satellite Classic near Hartbeestpoort Dam on October 22. Photo: Supplied
Introduced by ASG Events for the first time last year, the 60km distance proved a popular choice for a certain section of cyclists, adding another option to the traditional 106km and 80km races.
ASG chief executive officer Wynand de Villiers said the shortest of the three distances had been well received and they expected further interest in the race this year.
He said that while the two feature races presented plenty of challenges for riders, the 60km was a good option for those who might be “slightly undercooked” after the winter hiatus.
“It takes place on a beautiful road surface and offers a wonderful alternative to the other two races. It’s undulating, but by no means a difficult ride.”
De Villiers said one of the strengths of the Satellite Classic was that it doubled as a premier seeding event for both the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the 947 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg.
“The Satellite Classic is the only event that presents two seeding distances and it has become a nice barometer of cyclists’ form heading into the 947.”
The Classic takes place roughly a month before Gauteng’s premier one-day race.
ASG Events use the Satellite Classic to support the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) and De Villiers said they were banking on strong support to raise much-needed funds.
“The Satellite Classic attracts 3 500 riders annually and with 2 000 entries already received, we’re slightly up compared to the same time last year.
“It is vitally important to get as many participants as possible because R10 of every entry goes to Cansa.”
