Although there are more choices this year, the majority of cyclists in the Takelot Jock Classic road race prefer doing the feature event of three stages in one day.
The unique format throws up a number of challenges but ASG Events chief executive Erick Oosthuizen said the main event was still attracting the most interest.
The full distance for the July 13 race is 155km divided into three stages, but this year entrants can also choose to do one or two stages. It will take place in Nelspruit, White River and Sabie in Mpumalanga.
“The entries are coming in steadily for all three distances, but the main interest is still in the feature three-stage event,” said Oosthuizen.
The feature three-stage option in the Takealot Jock Classic road race remains the popular choice among cyclists for this year’s event, which will take place in Mpumalanga on July 13. Photo: Memories 4 U Photography
“But opening up the options for riders to do shorter distances has been a sound move.
“For instance, I had a call this week from a guy in Australia who only wants to do two stages, so I think it caters for more types of riders.”
He reminded cyclists that the benefit of entering two or three stages would be that meals were included, which were so essential to maintaining your strength on the long haul.
Many leading cyclists have won the Jock Classic, but arguably the most famous former champion is four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, said Oosthuizen.
“So you can come to the Lowveld and experience your own sort of tour,” he added.
The stages will cover 48km, 45km and 62km respectively and there will be specific starting times for each leg. Entries close on July 3.
