The Takealot Satellite Classic will have a new race venue when it is hosted by Bekker High School in Magaliesburg later this year.
A number of changes, including a new race venue, have been introduced to the Takealot Satellite Classic road cycle race when it takes place in Magaliesburg, Gauteng, on October 12. Photo: Wayne Hanscombe/Jetline Action Photography
This is one of a number of changes to the road cycle race which takes place on October 12, an important stage in the South African road season.
Besides the new venue, there are two distances on offer this year, incorporating the 106km feature race and a 31km route.
There is also a variation to the route, which now has the infamous Hekpoort climb just 8km into the race, rather than in the closing stages.
One element which hasn’t changed is that the 106km feature race remains a premier seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
ASG Events chief executive Erick Oosthuizen said it was a perfect opportunity for cyclists to gauge their conditioning near the start of the road season.
“The road season really starts gaining momentum in September so this race in the middle of October sits nicely for those getting ready for the 947 Cycle Challenge,” he said.
Besides the feature race, Oosthuizen believes the shorter 31km distance will attract a wider range of cyclists.
“We felt the longer distances we had last year (107km and 84km) did not offer that much of a difference,” he said.
“That is why we have gone for the two options this year, which we think will create a broader appeal for the race.
“The 31km distance does not include a lot of climbing and is an ideal opportunity for cyclists relatively new to the sport to experience racing conditions.”
