Metro up to speed on Cycle Tour safety
WHEN hundreds of riders converge in Nelson Mandela Bay next month for the Eastern Cape’s largest cycling event, they can rest assured their safety will be the organisers’ top priority.
As one of the partners for The Herald Continental Cycle Tour, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is making all the necessary safety and security arrangements to ensure an incident-free event.
Thus, residents should expect mandatory road closures and the presence of law enforcement officers.
“The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is a reputable and respected sporting event and as partners, we rally our support behind this occasion to ensure that it grows into an even bigger brand,” mayor Athol Trollip said.
“Our safety and security preparations are well under way to ensure we host a funfilled and safe sporting event.”
The mayor himself will be participating in the road race as well as the mountain bike event in Addo.
There will be a collaborative effort between the mayor’s office, the safety and security directorate led by John Best, the sports, recreation, arts and culture directorate led by Siyasanga Sijadu and the economic development, tourism and agriculture directorate led by Andrew Whitfield.
As an internationally known sporting mecca, the metro has played host to a number of high-profile events and was beginning to cement itself as a preferred destination for staging mega sporting festivals, Trollip said.
“The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is certainly a significant sports gathering as it showcases the city’s abilities as hosts, but also the talent of thousands of participants who will descend on our beautiful city,” Trollip said. “I believe the hype and buzz of this event are providing a platform for the resurgence of an exciting sports era in the metro.
“Sport remains a key unifying factor in the city and is linked to the process of nationbuilding and brings communities together.” The Charlo Athletics Club will provide about 130 experienced marshals, who will work alongside traffic officials in ensuring the safety of the cyclists and assist in directing traffic on the route.
Remember to get those entries in as there is only one day left to enter.
Entries close tonight at midnight and no late entries, manual or online, will be accepted thereafter.
To enter, go to www.heraldcycletour.co.za Queries can be directed to our Race Office by phone at (041) 504-7911, or by e-mail at heraldcycletour@timesmedia.co.za
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