Pretoria on MyPR: Tshwane Classic receives green light for road closure:
The Tshwane Classic, which has been granted total road closure, will pass a number of historical landmarks when the 98km and 60km road races take place on November 5. Photo: Supplied
In a major coup for the event, Tshwane Municipality have given the green light for total road closure for the Tshwane Classic cycle event later this year.
South Africa’s capital will join the country’s other major centres in presenting a signature mass participation event, which will take cyclists past a number of historical landmarks on November 5.
ASG Events operations director Darren Herbst said they were thrilled to have the local government on board.
“Their partnership is a massive lift for the race, which was brought about by the dedication of Mauritz Meyer, who is passionate about cycling and about Tshwane.
“Mauritz, who has been part of the organisational structure at ASG Events for the past 12 years, worked relentlessly to get buy-in from the City of Tshwane and his hard work has been rewarded.
“Through this association we have been able to secure total road closure for the whole route.
“Paramount, of course, is that it offers riders safety for the duration of the two distances (98km and 60km), which means they will be able to enjoy what is a really great route.”
He said the race would start and finish at the Voortrekker Monument and pass various historical landmarks in Tshwane, including Freedom Park and the Union Buildings.
Herbst said ASG, who host major races such as the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope, had revamped the Tshwane Classic to ensure it matched the status of other major city races.
“The link with the municipality and all their stakeholders has obviously been the key to enable us to offer this top-class event,” he said.
“Many of the country’s landmark cities have races, but Tshwane, as our capital, has never really had a mass participation race on this level.”
He said the local government had thrown their support behind the event because they were keen to promote the city as a premier sports destination.
“This is one of the key points in having a mass participation race. It has taken some time, but everything is finally coming together.”
Mayoral committee member of community and social development services Ntsiki Mokhotho said they were excited to welcome the Tshwane Classic back after a nine-year absence.
“The City of Tshwane does not have a classic cycling race and it is therefore an important event on the calendar, especially with more than 30 000 registered recreational cyclists in Gauteng.
“The Tshwane Classic will also contribute to the development of cycling as a sporting code in the city.”
He said the building of a caring and inclusive city and establishing Tshwane as a premier sporting and tourism destination were part of their strategy.
Herbst said he thought the race was well placed on the calendar.
“With the 947 Challenge two weeks later, and everybody getting into their cycling during the summer, I think it is a great time of the year to host the race.”
Besides the main events, there will be shorter races for children over 10km, 5km and 500m.
Go to www.tshwaneclassic.co.za for more information.
