Entries are open for the third edition of the Tshwane Cycle Classic, which will take place on the 3rd of November this year. The rapid rise of the Tshwane Classic is the current exception to the rule in mass participation cycling races in South Africa.
The inaugural edition in 2017 attracted up to 5 000 cyclist.
Last year, more than 7 000 cyclists took to the streets of Pretoria. The race is also one of the most affordable of its kind for contestants in South Africa. It features 95km, 60km, 20km and 5km options in addition to a 500m fun ride.
“We have wonderful buy-in from the Tshwane metro,” said the founder of the race, Mauritz Meyer.
“The event falls under the management of a non-profit organization, which means we are able to keep entry fees affordable.”
We are very conscious of the economic climate and that people have to plan their finances carefully.”
Courtesy of the Tshwane metro’s support, 342 metro police officers, 250 marshals and more than 20km of barricades will be deployed to ensure a traffic-free environment for cyclist in the race.
“Organising the logistics on the circuit is a massive task.” The Tshwane metro has worked tirelessly over the past two years to ensure that they have enough personnel on race day and that operational plan is executable,” Meyer explained.
On race day all bus and taxi routes diverted. The race route is closed effectively, predominantly by barricades and with the assistance of the police and Tshwane’s metro police. “The metro is serious about the event,” said Meyer. A big focus is also the management of traffic around closures and creating awareness in the lead-up.
“This starts in the months leading up to the event already with an awareness campaign on all major media platforms in Pretoria. “On race day, traffic signs and officials ensure traffic flow via detour routes.” He explained.
The metro will call on its residents to be patient on the roads on 3 November. “As was with the Cape Town Cycle tour and 947, the Tshwane metro expected resistance from some residents in the first two years, but the positive response has been remarkable. “Tshwane has embraced the event and understands its value for the city,” said Meyer
For more information and to enter, visit www.tshwaneclassic.co.za
