No other name has ever brought people together like Nelson Mandela. And it was his visionary thinking to unite South Africa through sport that’s helped unite South Africans over the past two decades. It’s in the spirit of remembrance that cyclists and runners will unite and take to the streets of Pretoria 22 November.
The Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day cycling event will not only celebrate the memory of the great man, but also pass some iconic landmarks in the capital city. In remembrance of the 67 years Mandela devoted to social activism the 67km cycling race will start at Loftus Versveld and finish at the Union Buildings, with the route passing by many historical landmarks and monuments.
In professional racing terms the route is relatively short, but at the end of the season and with a hefty prize purse, combined with a stiff 800m of climbing, it promises to be a cracker of a race. The iconic route includes the following landmarks: Loftus Versveld, Fort Klapperkop, Telkom Tower, Waterkloof Airforce Base, Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, Pretoria Central Prison, Air Force Museum, UNISA and the Union Buildings.
The event has also attracted global cycling hero and Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Team Sky) as well as the first ever South African Tour de France yellow jersey wearer, Daryl Impey (Orica Greenedge). To make matters even more exciting South Africa’s top female export Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, bronze medallist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, will also be lining up at Loftus on the 22nd.
The unprecedented R250 000 prize purse for the first male and female riders is sure to draw all the top names in local professional cycling. The spoils don’t only go to the victors with R150 000 for second place and R100 000 for third. In what should be the last big event on the road cycling calendar, the year is set to end on a high for the country’s professional teams.
If rubbing shoulders with some of the cycling world’s biggest and brightest stars isn’t enough the event also boasts full road closure ensuring everyone a safe and enjoyable ride. Naturally the event does not only cater for the professionals and it is hoped that thousands of cyclists will Unite4Mandela by taking to the streets.
Apparently Froome was spotted in the Cape Winelands yesterday