Criterium racing in South Africa is gaining massive popularity and with the added twist of live entertainment, craft beer and numerous fun categories, Engen Cycle in the City, has the Mother City buzzing with excitement and anticipation as the festival style criterium heads to Cape Town on 25 October.
If the opening event that took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria is anything to go by, participants and crowds are in for a treat. The big draw card is the fact that every spectator has a front row seat to the action as well as the option to take part in one of the many fun categories on the day, with 100% of entry fees being donated to the Specialist Burns Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Spectators and participants will also be spoilt for choice with fine foods from Cape Town’s famous food trucks and Bar di Bar Craft beer while enjoying a live performance from chart topping South African band, Monark.
The streets of Cape Town will be turned into a racetrack for a day condensing the action of a fast paced cycling event into a hard hitting short course with breakneck speeds and tight corners. As if the thrills and spills of criterium racing aren’t enough, the organisers have added a fixed gear category to the cycling spectacle where the single geared speed demons will sail around the course without any brakes.
The festivities will take place in the heart of the city and will run from the afternoon till the sun goes down on the Atlantic seaboard while the DHL cheerleaders make sure the vibe stays festive throughout. Parking will be available at the Cape Town Stadium
True to Cape Town’s commuting culture, there will be “bike busses” otherwise known as a collective commute running from various neighbourhoods. Now there is more reason than ever to ride into town adding to the social element and highlighting the safety component of the event. To join up with a “bike bus” or find a group passing by your community visit http://www.bicyclecapetown.org/event/engen-cycle-in-the-city.
Southern Suburbs
(Red + purple route +- 12km)
Departing: 11.30 noon, Josephine Mill, Boundary Road Newlands.
Pick up point: 12.00, Corner of Station Road and Liesbeek Park Road.
Arrive: 12.30 pm Cape Town Stadium
Northern Suburbs
(Blue + purple route +-15km)
Departing: 11.30 noon, Engen Garage Service Station, Sunset Beach.
Pick up point: 12.00, Woodbridge Island.
Arrive: 12.30 pm Cape Town Stadium
To enter Cycle in the City or for more information visit www.engencycling.co.za.
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