At the start of 2013 as with any new season people may wonder which rider is going to ride for which team, what the latest developments in mountain biking are or just want to know what is happening on the local mountain biking scene. This year though you can get the scoop early if you are at the three day Cycle Fest in Pietermaritzburg from Friday (11 January).
“The Cycle Fest is a fusion of everything cycling, an opportunity for cyclists, teams, brands and basically everyone and everything cycling to get together at the beginning of the year and celebrate cycling and the season that lies ahead,” said Max Cluer one of the organisers of this exciting new festival.
Two of South Africa’s leading Events and Sports Marketing Companies, Max Cluer Sports Marketing and Advendurance have joined forces to bring you “The Cycle Fest”.
Momentum Health is the main sponsor.
“Our whole idea with The Cycle Fest is to create something similar to the Sea Otter Classic Festival in California which is a true international celebration of cycling as well as a lot of fun. What is exciting is that Saturday’s cross country races for men and women have UCI 1.1-status which means there are valuable international ranking points on offer for the riders.
“We specifically decided to hold the Cycle Fest at the Cascades in Pietermaritzburg because it is the same venue as for the UCI Cross Country Championship which takes place in August. Riders now have the chance to get a feel for the course.”
Before the men’s cross country race a moment of silence will be held to commemorate the passing of Burry Stander. “Burry has given so much to South African and international mountain biking and meant so much to so many people so a moment of silence is fitting way to honor his memory especially since some of his most heroic rides happened at the Cascade course.” Stander finished second in last year’s World Cup-event at the Cascades.
Cluer is not sure if any of the international riders will be competing in the men’s cross country race. “But even if there are no international riders I still think the spectators will be treated to exciting racing with the likes of Philip Buys, Patrick Belton, James Reid, Luke Roberts and Rourke Croeser battling it out for the international ranking points. They are the riders who can represent South Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.”
Brendon Davids, Patrick Belton and Rene Goustra are just some of the many talented riders that will also be participating in Cycle Fest.
The women’s cross country race could be a titanic battle between South Africa’s Candice Neethling and Kendall Ryan from the USA. The American will be riding in the colors of Jeep.
True cycling fans must make sure that they are out on the course when Greg Minnaar, UCI Downhill World Champion, is racing because it is not often that you get the opportunity to see one of the international cycling legends in action at a South African event.
Max Knox, the South African marathon champion, is planning to compete in as many races possible.
The Cycle Fest Program
Entry Information:
Entries are available on both www.ROAG.co.za and www.Eventry.co.za . For more info and prizes / prices go over to www.maxcluer.com and www.advendurance.com
