Msunduzi Road Challenge entry deadline extended

[Matt]

Msunduzi Road Challenge entry deadline extended

Press Release - Cycling South Africa, 29 September 2011

 

Pietermaritzburg - A recent surge in interest in the inaugural Msunduzi Road Challenge on the back of the news that the newly developed event will play host to the 2012 UCI World Cycling Tour Final, has prompted the organisers to extend this year’s entry deadline to 18 October.

 

Cycling enthusiasts now have until two weeks before the race to book their spot in the 90, 111 or 127 kilometre cycling showcase which gives all amateur and recreational cyclists from around the country the opportunity to be a part of an internationally recognised event.

 

"We have to be realistic and understand that pro road cycling is not huge in South Africa like it is in other places around the world,” said event director Alec Lenferna. “But, if there’s one thing we do know here, its recreational road cycling! Just look at races like the Argus for example.”

 

“This year’s Msunduzi Road Challenge is the perfect opportunity for our country’s entire cycling community to come out and enjoy being a part of a global series aimed specifically at amateur and recreational riders,” he added.

 

With the top twenty five percent of the field in 2011 receiving automatic qualification into 2012’s Final organisers are encouraging all of South Africa’s cycling fraternity to ensure they submit their entry well ahead of the revised cut-off date to avoid missing out.

 

“Those who wish to take part in next year’s final need to qualify and this year’s race is the only event in Africa which will enable riders to do so,” explained Lenferna. “It is also the perfect opportunity for riders to get to grips with the same course which will be used for next year’s Final.”

 

“More importantly though, this event is aimed squarely at the social riders,” he added. “It is an amateur event based on mass participation and we are encouraging as many riders, clubs and casual corporate team entries – where riders don’t even have to be a Cycling SA registered rider – to take part in what is going to be a world class ride.”

 

Those wishing to enter can visit the event’s website (www.msunduziroadchallenge.co.za) and can do so either as an individual or as a five-man corporate team.

 

The Msunduzi Road Challenge takes place in and around Pietermaritzburg on 30 October 2011, preceded by a time trial on Saturday 29 October. More information can be found at www.msunduziroadchallenge.co.za

 

Organisers of the Msunduzi Road Challenge have extended the close of entries deadline to allow for all amateur and recreational cyclists from around the country to enter this year's race on the back of the news that the event will play host to the UWCT Final in 2012.