We had planned such an interesting format to racing, with 3 x mini leagues all leading up to a season finale with the 4-day event hosted by Cyclopaths, which all had to be canned due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has swept the world. The local cycling fraternity haven’t been without it’s losses. We mourned the passing of Peter Daniels a short while ago and he will be a great loss to Western Province Cycling.
However, we are pleased to announce our first race back after what can only be described as a difficult few months. On 13 September we’re heading out to the beautiful Slanghoek Valley for what is considered one of the most stunning races on our annual calendar.
Due to restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus, we will not be following the normal category format. We are only allowed to have 300 people at an event and this includes participants, support staff, race officials and race staff. Start group numbers are limited to a maximum of 50 people including start line personnel. On top of this, competitors have had their own restrictions insofar as their ability to train is concerned and we have taken cognisense of this.
The race format for Slanghoek is as follows:
A team race of 135km: Teams of minimum 4 and maximum 6 cyclists, riding all together. Team time is taken on the 4th person over the line, however line honours for the first 3 over the line will also be awarded. Team members are to enter individually and team captains to send their team selection through to Sue for registration.
Individual races of 120km and 80km: Cyclists are to chose which distance they wish to race. We will determine the start batches depending on the number of entrants and their performance in the past 2 seasons. Details of which batch you are starting in and your start time will be sent to you on the Friday before the race.
Ladies: Will race 80km however we require at least 20 ladies to enter to have a separate start time for you. Failing this, we will accommodate you in with other 80km entrants.
Under 19’s: If not part of a race team, can choose which distance they wish to race.
There will be strict social distancing practiced at the event. Instructions regarding parking, registration, start batch times, etc. will be emailed to all participants on the Friday before the race.
Please note that we are still trying to sort out what we can do within the restrictions placed on us so please help us in keeping the virus under control by adhering to the controls we’re putting in place for your safety.
Please see the link to the event guide below. If you have any queries please contact us at [email protected] or you can contact Sue directly – [email protected]