The Takealot Jock Classic will provide an interesting mid-winter test for South African cyclists with its unique format when it takes place in Mpumalanga on July 13.
The long-running road race covers a distance of 155km and although it is a one-day event, the course is divided into three stages, with set starting times for each leg.
This deviates from the normal practice of events around the 100km mark and ASG Events chief executive Erick Oosthuizen said it was an ideal opportunity to get in some decent winter training in a different format.
“Fortunately, the weather is so good in the Lowveld that it is not a problem, while the race offers a unique challenge in incorporating three stages in one day,” he said.
Cyclists will test themselves in the unique one-day, three-stage event when the Takealot Jock Classic road cycle race takes place in Nelspruit, White River and Sabie in Mpumalanga on July 13. Photo: Memories 4 U Photography
“That does throw up a few challenges, but it’s a great day out on the bike and you can learn a lot about your own body.
“You need to manage the demands of warming up and cooling down three times during the day.
“Equally it’s important to eat and drink well while keeping the mind focused on what amounts to three races in one day.”
Oosthuizen added that they were catering for all cyclists for the event which goes through Nelspruit, White River and Sabie.
“We have decided this year to offer three options to those who want to compete in one of the country’s classics,” he said.
“So this year you can do all three stages or you can do the last two stages, or just the last stage. We feel this will cater for most riders.”
The stages will cover 48km, 45km and 62km respectively.
