For two decades the Takealot Berge & Dale has been a popular date on South Africa’s road cycling calendar and ASG Events chief executive Erick Oosthuizen is preparing for another big entry on February 23.
The race in Krugersdorp on the West Rand celebrates its 20th anniversary under new sponsors in Takealot.com, with a new race venue in Silverstar Casino.
Distances of 108km and 60km are on offer and Oosthuizen said the steady flow of entries matched what they had received at the same time last year.
Another big entry is expected for the Takealot Berge & Dale cycling road race by the time entries close on February 13. The event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will take place in Krugersdorp on the West Rand on February 23. Photo: Mariola Biela
“But there is definitely space for more cyclists and we are looking at a really sizeable entry once the deadline comes on February 13,” he said.
He added that after being contested over just 30km in the inaugural edition, the event had grown in distance and stature to become “one of Johannesburg’s toughest road races”.
“We believe the date for the race is perfectly positioned because it provides a big incentive for riders to get back into shape after the festive break.”
The Berge & Dale is a premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, but Oosthuizen said he had no doubt it could stand on its own as one of the country’s road classics.
“Increasingly, many riders are seeing the Takealot Berge & Dale as their own pinnacle on the cycling calendar.
“We believe cyclists are doing fewer events these days and are starting, more and more, to cherry-pick their races.”
He added that the new race venue at Silverstar Casino would add much value to the event.
“It is much more safe and convenient and, overall, a better fit for the event.”
