All Systems GO(G) for Joburg Classic
Preparations are in full swing for the inaugural Joburg Classic, which takes place on 29 March at the GOG Lifestyle Park in Lanseria in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Distances on offer are 113km, 45km and 15km along with kids races and a 3km Fun Walk/Run.
Located adjacent to Lanseria Airport on Malibongwe Road, GOG Lifestyle Lanseria is one of Joburg’s most exciting entertainment offerings.
Boasting a water spray park, trampoline park, inflatable pool with unique hamster balls, a BMX track, a kids pump track, a climbing wall, zip line, giant inflatables and a sprint obstacle course –just to name a few elements – this themed adventure park really is unique in for South Africa.
Family fun is paramount for the organisers of the Joburg Classic. Kids races are on offer and all riders and their families receive free entry into the GOG Lifestyle Park at Lanseria for the day.
The Joburg Classic is privileged to have the use of the venue and for its allowance for cyclists and their families to get free access. It presents a vast array of activities which will keep families entertained throughout the day.
GOG Lifestyle Park presents ample parking, ablutions and catering facilities. It’s the perfect host venue for a mass participation cycling event.
The venue is central for riders from both Joburg and Pretoria. It’s also close to Lanseria Airport, which enables out-of-towners the opportunity to fly in and take part.
It sits on the corner of the first intersection towards Honeydew from the Malibongwe off-ramp off the N14 Krugersdorp Freeway.
“Funds from the Joburg Classic are donated to CANSA and we’re calling on cancer survivors, cancer patients and cyclists with loved ones who are battling the disease to come and support the day,” said Hectic Promotions owner Mauritz Meyer.
Hectic Promotions is a non-profit organisation which, through the presentation of cycling races, supports a host of welfare organisations and charities.
“With the funds from Joburg Classic we would like to also fund as many wheelchairs as we can. Cyclists must know that their contribution makes a difference,” he said.
The Joburg Classic signature 113km distance offers a well-balanced route with 1100 metres of vertical ascent. For most of the way the route meanders through the Cradle and has been designed to offer two shorter distances as well over 45km and 15km.
Regular Cradle riders will be familiar with sections of the route, but the Joburg Classic has been designed to be a bit more forgiving than other routes offered in the area. Notably it doesn’t include the Hillsnacks or Sterkfontein climbs.
According to routing specialist Patrick Smit the Joburg Classic constitutes the best route design that he has done on the West Rand. He believes Joburg Classic’s main differentiator is the balanced and tempered challenge it provides cyclists.
“It’s slightly longer than our original planning, but the Orient Hills settlement has become too volatile to risk routing the race past it. That’s led to the event taking a longer loop via the N14 past Maropeng,” said Smit.
The major climbs in the Joburg Classic are lengthy but will allow cyclists to stay in their rhythm. The major obstacles are the climb past Maropeng and the ascent before the left turn back onto Beyers Naude in the final 10km.
There is a little tester on the Elandsdrift Road before riders link up with Malibongwe to head back the finish and this will provide a final platform to attack for the licenced riders.
The Joburg Classic boasts five number collection venues in the lead-up that are nicely spread around Joburg and Pretoria to try and accommodate cyclists’ busy lives.
Tuesday 24 March 2020: 10h00 – 16h00 Solomons Cycles (Lynwood, Pretoria)
Wednesday 25 March 2020: 10h00 – 16h00 Cycle Lab Boksburg Megastore (North Rand Road, Boksburg)
Thursday 26 March 2020: 10h00 – 16h00 Cycle Lab Fourways Megastore (Nicol Grove, Johannesburg)
Friday 27 March 2020: 10h00 – 16h00 The Bicycle Company (Larch Street, Centurion)
Saturday 28 March 2020: 09h00 – 13h00 Solomons Cycles (Gerrit Maritz Street, Pretoria North)
Entry Fees: 113km: R340 | 45km: R225 | 15km – R90
The 113km route for the Joburg Classic portrays a well-balanced autumn challenge.
For more information go to: www.hecticpromotions.co.za | Race office phone: 083 534 7979 | Email: hecticpromotions101@gmail.com
About Hectic Promotions: Hectic Promotions is a registered non-profit corporation and boasts a proven record of accomplishment in presenting mass participation cycling events which fulfil the requirements of sponsors, stakeholders and participants.
It is one of the foremost cycling event organisation companies in South Africa with a long history of presenting prestigious events on the national cycling calendar that benefit several community-based charity projects.
Released by De Villiers National Cycling, on behalf of the Joburg Classic.
Media enquiries email devillierscycling@mweb.co.za or phone 083 269 7659.
