Raising the bar in SA cycling
The rolling ocean, the abundance of nature, the beautiful city of Pon Flirabeth all to yourself, the intoxicating spint of true camaraderie, smiling faces and clapping crowds ... it's no wonder why riders believe this is the new benchmark in South African road cycling races.
Palpably euphoric, the road race route winds through Port Elizabeth. the city that embodies the spirit of Nelson Mandela, it bursts into lush familands. streams through small coastal villages. and hugs the spectacular coastline on the way to the finish. It is not uncommon to make lifelong friends, or to be accompanied for a while by PE's local school of dolphins.
What makes this deeply rewarding ride es en better is the superb organisation and safety of the went, The Herald Continental Cycle Tour is one of the few races in SA that stilt offers road closure on race days. The over 110 traffic officials, 105 marshals and teams of medics we all on duty to ensure riders are safe and secure come we day.
Every year, without fail, the Herald Continental Cycle Tour inspires enthusiastic comments from the riders. Aidan van Niekerk says. 'Race of the year goes to The Herald Continental Cycle Tour.' BCX's Team Manager Malcolm Lange says it's 'the best road race on the calendar for elite riders.' And Deirdre Burger loved everything about it. 'We loved the atmosphere, the Mae, the friendliness. and the wind behind us on the way home. Thank you and well done You made PH proud!'
But you don't need to be a pro to enjoy South Africa's 2nd oldest cycling clinic. Whether you're in the saddle to race or for fun, whether you're going to be chasing or relaxing, whether you're on the 106km Coastal Classic or the 55km Pursuit, this balanced mad route is yours to race exactly the way you want to.
The Herald Continental Cycle Tour really is an event that could make an entire family happy. The beachfront Race Village is a delight with everything from face painting and play parks for the kids to food trucks, a coffee bar, a ben garden and live entertainment. The eva-popular Cycle Tour Lounge even includes VIP parking and lunch with the pros.
And as a visitor to the Sunshine Coast, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. There are stretches and stretches of pristine beaches for walking. surfing. bathing, dolphin watching and whale conning. There arc Rig 5 game reserves, ocean tours. penguin colonies ... all on our doorstep. So why not make a holiday of it?
Dates. Sunday. 24 February. 2019 Start Finish: Race Village, Pollok Beach. Port Elizabeth 06h00 106 km Coastal Classic ORh00 55 km Pursuit Enter on www.heraldcycletour.co.a. Entries close 27 January 2019 at midnight.