Entries have opened for the popular The Herald Continental Cycle Tour and the 2019 edition is once again expected to attract some of the country’s leading cyclists.
The race has featured some big names in recent years and this time around will prove no different, with the likes of Reynard Butler and James Fourie of Team Pro Touch, Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill of Team Galileo-Risk, Team 13 (previously known as Leadout Aspire), Absolute Motion, and Port Elizabeth superstar Anriette Schoeman expected to be in the starting lineup.
But the event is not only for elite riders – it also caters for casual and aspiring cyclists.
The 106km Coastal Classic and 55km Pursuit on February 24 will take cyclists from Pollok Beach along some of the metro’s most scenic routes.
For adrenalin junkies who prefer the challenging trails in Addo, the mountain bike races (80km Extreme, 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure) will take place from the Addo Polo Club on Sunday February 17.
The event also features the Corporate Relay Challenge (23km road and 15km MTB relay) and the 500m/2km Junior race on Saturday February 23 at Pollok Beach.
“Over the last two years, we have seen . . . the passion and joy of participants in The Herald Continental Cycle Tour,” Continental Tyre SA managing director Shaun Uys said.
“While the enjoyment of cycling can be a personal thing in the way you challenge yourself, it is also an opportunity to make new friends.
“The camaraderie and goodnatured competitiveness will once more be seen in the corporate relay as we aim to put forth a few Continental teams for the challenge,” Uys said.
“At Continental ... we produce top leading tyres for both the passenger car and bicycle market.
“The Herald Continental Cycle tour is therefore a great opportunity to put the engineering in these cycling products to the test.
“Continental Tyre has been a part of the Port Elizabeth landscape for over 70 years and we are proud to be associated with an iconic event that promotes not only the sport, but the beauty of our bay.”
The additional sponsors on board again for next year’s event are Eastern Cape Motors (Ford), Powerade, Radisson Blu Hotel and Bukani Print.
The Herald editor Nwabisa Makunga said: “We are confident this year’s races will be even more successful than previous editions of the event.
“We have the same sponsors on board and together with our headline partner, Continental Tyre SA, we are planning some exciting additions.
“We are still very much committed to staging the most well-organised race in the country and we believe competitors will enjoy a great experience on both race days.”
Early bird tickets, with a saving of 25% on entry fees, are available until November 30.
For more information and registration, see www.heraldcycletour.co.za