Bloemfontein, 28 August 2012 – The biggest cycle race in central South Africa, the MTN OFM Classic, celebrates 12 years with another thrilling Mountain Bike race expected in Bloemfontein. This year’s week-long Classic is scheduled for the 27 October to 4 November 2012.
This popular in-land race which is also the seeding event for the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour 2013 coastal race, promises to be a true celebration of cycling and the spectators of the sport.
Ryan Gould, MTN SA General Manager: Brand and Communications says: “MTN is excited about the upcoming MTN OFM Classic turning 12 and the success it has enjoyed over years. We are very proud to be associated with an event as prolific as the Classic as it displays our continued commitment to profile cycling not just as a lifestyle but also as an endurance sport.”
Marietjie Vermeulen (OFM), Hanco Kachelhoffer (Bonitas Medical Fund, 2nd runner up in 2011), Reinardt janse van Rensburg (MTN Team Qhubeka; Winner 2011), David Maree (Tasol Solar Energy Solutions; 3rd runner up in 20122) and Ryan Gould (MTN SA General Manager: Brand and Communications)
“This is also a platform to enhance MTN Qhubeka cycling team’s vision to develop an African World Cycling Champion through the MTN Qhubeka initiative which enables children to earn bicycles through planting trees,” he concluded.
For the 2012 edition of the MTN OFM Classic, the cycling week will kick off with the cute Kiddies Race, which is open to children as young as just a few months to ten years on 27 October 2012.
The lifestyle and cycle Expo, which will showcase the latest in cycling technology, will follow on the 2nd and 3rd November 2012 at the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Center.
Since mountain biking has grown in popularity in cycling communities, the organisers of the MTN OFM Classic will present their third mountain bike race on Saturday, 3 November 2012.
For OFM, The MTN OFM Classic is put together as part of the stations’ CSI initiative to give the listeners and their families a rewarding experience. Tumi Sefemo, OFM Communication Manager says: “As the main organizer of the event, we will work very hard to ensure that cyclists and cycling enthusiasts alike have an exhilarating experience at the Classic and share in our celebrations of 12 years of the big race. The Classic continues to be the highlight of OFM’s event calendar”.
“The Classic will once again partner with the Free State Government to ensure that the MTN OFM Classic remains a premium event on South Africa’s cycling calendar and that it remains the safest cycling race in the country,” she added.
On Sunday, 4 November 2012 over 4500 cyclists will hit the streets of Bloemfontein for the 94km timed stage race and the supporting 39km untimed fun race. This year the race will start and finish at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein with riders taking in the view of the beautiful scenery, entertaining water points along the way, certainly to make the ride a memorable and enjoyable one.
Exciting prizes up for grabs during the MTN OFM Classic include a Merida Ninety Nine XT D Mountain Bike and a Merida Scultura EVO 905 COM road bike. The race also boasts R20 000 in prize money for the Mountain Bike Race and R80 000 for the Road race.
