The 947 Cycle Challenge, now in its 22nd year, will this year see cyclists tackle the “infamous” cluster of climbs over the first 10km of the race as opposed to the final 10km as in previous editions.
The 947 Cycle Challenge will this year see cyclists tackle the “infamous” cluster of climbs over the first 10km of the race as opposed to the final 10km as in previous editions. Photo: twitter.com/TeamBCX
“We know that there are a significant number of participants undertaking the Cycle Challenge for charity who really do have to dig deep to complete the ride,” race director Tanya Hardford said.
“We received consistent feedback from this group that the final four hills just broke them.”
However, she did not want to detract from their reputation of the race through the City of Johannesburg as being a “tough ride”.
“We didn’t want to take away the challenge for our loyal cyclists,” she said. “But we think it will be more enjoyable as the really nasty part, which used to hit just as riders were at their worst, is now out of the way early.
“Cyclists will now be able to go big from the start and not have the looming thought of Cedar Road and the hills in Steyn City tainting their experience.”
The race comprises a 94.7km loop starting and finishing at the Riversands Commercial Park, just in reverse direction to how it was previously.
