With Bestmed stepping in as the sponsor, the Emperors Palace Classic two-day festival in Johannesburg promises to remain a major attraction for cycling enthusiasts.
Based at the Kempton Park casino, competitors will have the opportunity to test themselves in two mountain bike offerings on Saturday and two road races on Sunday.
Having been heavily involved in backing South African cycling events for the last six years, Bestmed are delighted to be involved with the Emperors Palace Classic.
Nolan Hoffman showed his ability in a sprint finish to win the Emperors Palace Classic at the Kempton Park casino in Johannesburg last year. Photo: Kyle Cestari
“The opportunity came about while ASG and Bestmed were evaluating the races we would sponsor for 2018,” said Wicus Kotze, Bestmed executive: managed healthcare.
“This event is the perfect fit in our road-race calendar for the year and it assists us to promote our brand to those cyclists who might not get to our other events.”
As a medical aid scheme, Kotze said their philosophy was all about encouraging good health among their members.
“Although we will always be there for those who are sick and in need of professional healthcare, we need our members to be healthy as well.
“As a medical scheme we promote a healthy lifestyle and being involved in cycling gives as the opportunity to reach not only the professional sportsman, but also those who do this only on weekends.”
Billed as the Race of Dreams, the feature race on Sunday, won last year by current Cape Town Cycle Tour champion Nolan Hoffman, will be over 98km and will follow the same route that has been in use since 2016.
There will also be a 48km road race on Sunday, with mountain-bike offerings of 50km and 25km on Saturday.
Making sure there is something for everyone, the festival also has a kiddies’ element, with the ever-popular Emperors Palace Kids Classic for ages 3-5 and 6-8 being held on the Sunday.
