The 2019 Africa Cup was launched by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Cycling South Africa at the Port Elizabeth City Hall today.
The event, which consists of four one-day races, will take place in the metro from October 10 to 13.
Proceedings will kick off with an individual time-trial along Marine Drive, followed by a mixed relay in New Brighton.
A criterium race will take place on day three at the Lorraine Primary School before the road races wrap things up at St George’s Park.
The event also offers the final opportunity for African nations to earn points toward a 2020 Olympic Games qualification.
“Once again, Nelson Mandela Bay is ready to show itself off as a world-class sporting destination by hosting another international event,” said executive mayor Mongameli Bobani.
The municipality has also entered into a three-year partnership with the cycling body which involves bringing international and championship events to the metro, creating investment in cycling communities and generating youth employment opportunities.
Other projects that will be rolled out include the elite and masters road national champs as well as the track national champs in 2020, the Mandela Tour in 2021 and the Legacy Project from 2019 to 2021.
“We’re very confident the city will show off its capabilities of hosting high-impact events,” said Bobani.
“We’re encouraging sports fans to come out and support these events as we give these hard-working athletes the opportunity to achieve their dreams and work towards the Olympic Games.
“We’re very proud to have our city play an integral part in such a global occasion. Nelson Mandela Bay continues to place itself as a sporting capital of the world.”
The cycling body has also undertaken the task of refurbishing and upgrading the Chevrolet Stadium in New Brighton.
“This will be done through applications for funding through various sources,” said Cycling SA general manager Mike Bradley.
“The Chevrolet Stadium will also be the official home of Cycling SA in the Eastern Cape, where a lease arrangement will be concluded with the NMBM.”
