[Event] Emperors Palace Classic

['Kaze Pete]

Was planning a late entry on Friday. Oh well

[Underachiever]

1 hour ago, The Ouzo said:

cant find a thread for 2025

Saw this on our cycling group

 

Emperor's Palace Classic Postponement – Rider Safety Remains Paramount
They say Murphy's Law is "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, that sentiment rings true for the 17th edition of the Emperor's Palace Classic, originally set for Sunday, 23 March 2025.
De Villiers National Cycling has made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s event. After meeting with EMPD precinct representatives yesterday, we were informed that due to the ongoing dispute between the EMPD and its employees — even with Labour Court involvement — management cannot guarantee the presence of EMPD staff to manage traffic and ensure rider safety on race day. The matter is set for further adjudication in the Labour Court on Thursday, 20 March 2025, and consensus is that a resolution is unlikely before the weekend.
For us, rider safety is non-negotiable. Without the necessary traffic control, hosting the event under these circumstances would be reckless and contrary to our values. While road damage along parts of the route was a challenge, we were ready to tackle this. The added uncertainty surrounding traffic management makes it impossible to proceed responsibly.
We understand the disappointment and frustration this brings — not just to the riders but to the entire cycling community. This marks the second event this year impacted by factors beyond our control, and we share in your dismay. That said, we’re determined to offer riders flexibility regarding their entries:
Automatic Transfer – Rider entries will automatically move to the new event date once finalized.
Entry to 2026 – Riders may choose to transfer their entry to next year’s edition of the Emperor’s Palace Classic.
Partial Refund – Riders who prefer not to wait can request a refund, acknowledging that significant costs have already been incurred in the event’s preparation, making a 50% refund appropriate.
In consultation with Cycling SA, we have secured Sunday, 2 November 2025 as the new date and are awaiting final confirmation from Emperor’s Palace. This date falls two weeks before the Ride Jo’burg event, making it ideal for final race prep. Riders wishing to transfer to 2026 or request a partial refund can contact our support team directly at devillierscycling@mweb.co.za.
De Villiers National Cycling deeply respects the ongoing efforts to resolve the EMPD’s internal matters and remains hopeful for a swift resolution. We look forward to welcoming riders back to a safer and more secure race day.
To every rider who has trained tirelessly, the sponsors who have shown unwavering support, and the cycling community that rallies behind this iconic event — we thank you for your patience and understanding. When the Emperor's Palace Classic returns, it will do so stronger than ever.
For further updates and to manage your entry, please visit MyActive.co.za.
De Villiers National Cycling
Committed to Safety, Dedicated to Cycling

Mmm... being a long weekend also not helping....

oh wait EMPD is always on a long weekend, unless they man a speedtrap... 

[Popit]

Surely a FULL refund is due for those who want it  ...

Does the event organizer not carry the risk , and insurance , for an eventuality like this ?

At R 630 per entry makes you wonder if it is worth  entering these event .

 

 

[W@nted]

And we wonder why the racing scene is dying out... Sad.

[Spinnekop]

27 minutes ago, Popit said:

Surely a FULL refund is due for those who want it  ...

Does the event organizer not carry the risk , and insurance , for an eventuality like this ?

At R 630 per entry makes you wonder if it is worth  entering these event .

 

 

I don't enter any events except if I can pay and collect my number on the day at the venue.
Rooiwal and Spectrum sport have even ditched the whole paper number thing and just use a frame number that doubles up as a timing chip.  SUPER.  
CTCT and 94.7 are the only two exceptions.

Gone are the days when one can just take time off work and spend petrol money to go fetch a piece of paper demoer and gone for NO REASON.
Never mind the risk of cancelling the week before.

Edited March 19 by Spinnekop

[MORNE1102]

Typical. I rate its a money grab by the organizer, and why is there no full refund? Last year my active did the same thing with the capital classic and a few other races...

Race Age Cat on 94 and CPT everything else, enter on the day.  

[peetwindhoek]

I'm not justifying any past events they may have canceled, but they might have a valid point:

[Sandro]

Personally I prefer the new date.

[Dirkjknz]

Hi

I think the long weekend has something to do with it, but I was wondering while this is the second event that has been posponed, what happens to the people who made accomadation arrangements and cant get a refund on that expenses, and those funds we all loose, now its accomadation and the 50% refund, seems that the rider is suffering more loss than the organisers. 
 

I and my family who entered the events and paid accomodation, we loose quite a amount between us.

 

yes we could enter on the day but why do those riders have to pay more for the event than the one who has paid in advance?