Cycling South Africa has announced that they have signed an agreement with SweetSpot to create an Elite International Road Cycling Stage Race to be held in
South Africa during the first quarter of 2018.
The event will take place as a six-day multi-stage race and will attract a number of the world’s top professional teams.
“This is a significant milestone for Cycling South Africa. The event will allow our local riders the opportunity to participate against world class riders while on home soil.
“This will further encourage and motivate the youth to take up cycling as a sport, which is one of the key objectives of Cycling South Africa,” said William Newman, President of Cycling South Africa.
In addition to encouraging local talent, contributing to the tourist industry and boosting the economy, the race will also offer an opportunity to further develop women’s cycling in the country.
“With Cycling South Africa’s commitment to the development of women’s cycling, work will happen simultaneously on the presentation of a women’s event in the future,” said Newman.
There has been a positive response to the event so far.
“We have already taken soundings with several of the world’s top professional teams who are very keen to be involved, as many of them already come down to train in the off season,” said Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive of SweetSpot Group.