Well-positioned on the calendar, the Bestmed Satellite Championship on November 14 is one of the most popular road races in the country. Photo: Jetline Action Photography
Racing enthusiasts will have a golden opportunity to participate in a mass participation road race – and secure a seeding for next year’s big events – when the Satellite Classic takes place in Magaliesburg in Gauteng on November 28.
The one-day event, which offers 106km and 32km races, is organised by Slipstream Events and owner Erick Oosthuizen has assured riders that everything is on track for a bumper outing.
The following day (Sunday) will cater for mountain bike relay teams to see who can complete the most 5km laps in four hours.
As uncertainty swirls around many events due to Covid-19, Oosthuizen said he wanted to reiterate that they were fully committed to hosting the Satellite Classic.
“I know many people have been burnt at this time due to a number of events being cancelled, but I want to reassure the public that our event is definitely happening,” he said.
“As there have not been many of these races this year, it’s the perfect opportunity to earn a seeding for events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour, so there is plenty of incentive to enter.
“We are committed to the races and have all the required permissions, but, if anything unforeseen happens, those who have entered will get a full refund.”
As a mark of their commitment, Oosthuizen said they had dropped their entry fee to R350, while upping prize-money across all categories.
“I know many people may only decide at a later stage whether they will enter, but the options we have offered demonstrate our determination to host the event and it would be great to see some support from the cycling public.
“Even though times are difficult, for me it’s a huge relief to make that mental decision to go ahead.
“There are Covid-19 regulations with which we have to comply and that does add to the cost, but it is what it is and we are proud to be offering this opportunity to South African riders.”
Oosthuizen said the mountain bike relay was an important part of the overall offering.
“We are already almost on par with last year’s entry total for the relay and will probably see a small increase, which is really encouraging.
“This is a chance to bring your club or team to enjoy a four-hour event and it is also a great opportunity for the children after the Spur Schools League was cancelled this year.”
All the events will start and finish at Bekker High School.
The 106km race will again feature the tough Hekpoort climb about 8km after the start, while Oosthuizen said the relatively flat 32km course was perfect for novices, families and riders who were coming back from an extended break.
Online entries close at midnight on Sunday (November 22).
Published in association with Slipstream Events.
