Race organisation in SA

[vanniri]

I have been living abroad in excess of 5 years. During all of this I kept cycling actively and attended various races on various continents.

 

Did more than a few races in SA, before my departure and during holidays back home.

 

In general I find racing in SA to be such a pleasure compared to other countries - very well organised, lots of off-the-bike activities, well attended, etc. In stage racing this is even more evident.

 

In Europe organisers tend to only provide the racing, all else is secondary, Canada is also top-notch, Australia I have no experience, South America - more survival than racing (some people would call this a positive).

 

The Brasil Ride and latest La Ruta is such a stark contrast to my experience in SA, thus motivating me starting this thread.

 

Any other experiences or opinions? Do you agree or, do you think SA racing is over-organised?

[Joe Low]

Any other experiences or opinions? Do you agree or, do you think SA racing is over-organised?

 

I think its fantastic here, the no. and variety of events. Been in SA 7yrs, doin 7th 94.7 2morro. Really motivating to stay fit and get fitter & to get around the country. SA has the 2 biggest timed races and, in the Epic, one of the world's top 5 (?) endurance events.

 

There's huge amounts to be proud of.

 

Oh and had such a good time at the Expo this a.m. It was much bigger than the last cpl of yrs and i got loads of stuff, legs massaged and a W'worths greek salad for R10. Quality experience and no Q @ 9am.

[The_Break]

I agree that SA events are well organized and have a nice range of activities surrounding them. I have raced in EU and the USA on a fulltime basis, but honestly spoken find the way EU and USA organize their racing to be much better than in SA and I believe it to be due to different approaches. SA sport seems more geared toward making money from the large amounts of people whoi attend the event more on a social or enjoyment basis. With EU and USA I find it to be more based on a competitive basis with fewer numbers.

 

The structures inracing is also more advanved than what we have here in that almost every race is based on a Category system from CAT Pro to CAT 1 - 5 in the USA with a similar CAT Pro, A-E in EU. This allows much more competitive racing in organized categories based on strength and experience. You will never get a beginner mixed in with the Pro/1/A like in SA.

 

So whilst we have a great sport in SA that caters for the masses, there is a lot we dont have when it comes to pure competition. For instance, we hardly ever have the situation whereby weaker riders have the opportunity to really race for position as is the case overseas. Similar with junior categories and kids races. Here it is only the bigger races where we may have that, but mostly it is a mass start.

 

I like what PPA is doing in the Cape with their A-Z bunch seeding system. I believe they will lead the way in cycing development in SA if given the right chance.