UCI 1.1. Events in SA in 2008???

[Pieter Henning]

Did I miss this topic or something, 'cause I've never heard about this, but it sounds BIG. Apparently this will also be Barloworld's first race of 2008.

 

"The Worlds View Challenge is the first event series of its kind ever to be staged on the African Continent and will include five UCI 1.1 rated one day events with UCI ProTour, UCI Continental Pro teams and National Teams competing in the professional element of the event for valuable UCI ranking points as well as R 650 000.00 worth of prize money"

 

"A major new KZN-based international cycling event coming to Pietermaritzburg - the inaugural World?s View Challenge takes place from 2 ? 7 February 2008 and has four UCI ProTour teams competing as well as seven additional international teams in this influential UCI 1.1 status event.

The World?s View Challenge is going to be South Africa?s first UCI 1.1 status series of events with the teams competing for a total prize cheque of R650000 as well as points for the UCI Africa Tour leader board. The R650 000 prize money is divided among the five races ? with the top 20 places in each race being acknowledged for their achievement.

This cycling event will be the first of its kind in Africa, with both elite international cyclists and accomplished recreational South African cyclists being able to compete. The UCI 1.1 status ranking means that these events are the highest-quality events on the international cycling calendar.

Pietermaritzburg and the KZN Midlands with its rolling hills, perfect altitude and close proximity to both ocean and mountains, makes it the ideal choice for major cycling events. The capital of KwaZulu Natal is fast becoming the cycling capital of not only South Africa but the entire continent.

These races fall into the European winter season in the Northern hemisphere and will form a wonderful training scenario leading up to the International Cycling Union (UCI) ProTour circuit of races which are staged from March to October annually.

The World?s View Challenge takes place over six days with five races on five days with a rest day in between races three and four. The five races all start and finish in Alexander Park but every day the distance, terrain and route differ. Professional women racing teams also get a chance to compete in their own races on two of the days with the ultimate aim being for one of these to become a part of the UCI Women?s World Cup in the future.

The event is organised by Cape Town based Treble Group. Director Alec Lenferna spent two years in Switzerland working for the UCI as the Events Manager: Road. He explained: ?Each of the races will see a professional race leading off the front of the field with a limited field of recreational riders also competing. The professional racing field will see a total of 15 international teams competing with four of these teams being UCI ProTour teams and the rest of the field being made up of UCI Continental Teams or National Teams,?

Leading Italian team, Team Liquigas, who came second in the UCI ProTour in 2007 will be competing as part of their build up to the 2008 UCI ProTour season. They are joined by another leading Italian UCI ProTour team, Team Milram. Both these teams have a long list of successful results in the European circuits and both recorded victories in the 2007 Tour de France amongst many others.

Entries to this prestigious event will open to the general public on 30 October 2007 and will be on a strict first come, first served basis.

For more info go to www.cyclelab.co.za"

 

 

 

Does anybody have any info about this? What other teams are coming?

Phen2007-11-28 12:44:57

[Pieter Henning]

November 28 Intaka Tech Worlds View Challenge The UCI's newest event on the global calendar, the 1.1 World's View Challenge scheduled to take place in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa from the February 2-7 2008, has received yet another boost after it announced yesterday that Intaka Tech has come on board as the title sponsor for the race. read more at www.worldsviewchallenge.co.za

[Willehond]

Milram, Barloworld and Liquigas!!!! Wow, this looks BIG!

[Willehond]

Looks very well organized and their website is the best out there!  So who's behind all of this?  Someone needs a BIG pat on the back for getting this arranged!

[Pieter Henning]

Apparently everyone already knows about this. Man I'm really behind on all the news in cycling - stupid actuarial exams.

[Willehond]

Well, what's my excuse?!  I didn't know about it and I'm not studying at all.  Maybe TOO much time on the Hub?  Maybe...

Still wish I was in KZN to go and watch at least (and do one of the rides!)

[bruce]

Yes, this is really cool.

 

There will also be an "open" Vet's Category, i.e. all the Vet's racing against each other, instead of split into age groups. 

[Guest colonel]

True and the boys in pink are about 80% going up to race in the Open Vets.

[RABUBI]

Yes' date=' this is really cool.

 

There will also be an "open" Vet's Category, i.e. all the Vet's racing against each other, instead of split into age groups. 

[/quote']

 

Bef*k.

[Jason]

There will also be an "open" Vet's Category' date=' i.e. all the Vet's racing against each other, instead of split into age groups.  [/quote']Eina!

I reckon if all the BIG guns in vets racing take part, it will become known as the House of Pain? I wouldn?t be surprised if a few move up to race with the elites just to have an easier ride