The Jock Cycle Classique is the second oldest event in South Africa. Now in its 27th year, it is only outlasted by the Argus.In 1982 the organisers of the Onderberg Banana festival in Malalane asked the Barberton cycling club to organise a cycle race that would start in Barberton and end in Malalane, as part of their festivities.
The first Banana Festival Tour started at 06:30 with 27 cyclists, of whom 14 were members of the Barberton cycling club. The rest were from the Lowveld as well as from Cresta Wheelers in Randburg.
The first leg ended at Lowveld Motors in Nelspruit. Then cycled to White River for lunch and then a time trial to Karino. From there they traveled by lorry to Kaapmuiden Primary School before starting the last leg of the race to the grounds in Malalane.
In July 1984, the same route was used and 57 cyclists took part. Croxons Garage sponsored five Barberton participants.
In 1985 the name of the race changed to the Jock 150km Tour, and the route changed accordingly to five stages - Barberton to Nelspruit, on to White River and then by truck to Karino. From there to Kaapmuiden, Noordkaap and the last stage back to Barberton - 108 riders took part. In 1986 there were 212 and in 1987, 408 riders participated.
In 1988 the total entries hit the 600 mark, and as it was difficult to transport so many riders from one point to the other. The route changed once more to four stages
For the next three years the route stayed the same and the amount of cyclists increased to more than 1 000.
The format changed again in 1992 and was reduced to three stages. Timekeeping was of utmost importance as it changed from a fun ride to a more competitive race, attracting all the big names of South African cycling world.
In 2001 the Jock cycle tour changed its status. It was the first year that it became a Classic on the cycling calendar. More than 1 300 cyclists took part in a well-organised event with Cycle Lab taking care of entries and administration for the first time and Championchip doing the timekeeping.
In 2003 it changed to one of only five Super Classics in the country, with a competitor count of approximately 1 800 riders. The format of the race changed dramatically in 2003. It was presented for the first time as a single 150km race from start to finish - no stops in between!
This year, for the first time since 2002, the Jock will be held on the same three stages which saw its rise in popularity between 1992 and 2002.
This is an unique race which tests cyclists to their utmost in some of the most beautiful riding terrain in the world.
Cyclists travel through a wondrous part of our country and a portion of the route goes through Boulders Nature reserve and up the famous Boulders climb.
Most of the riders who do compete return each year to try and better their personnel bests, but just to finish the race remain a remarkable achievement.
“With every Jock medal worn, a new cyclist is born”.
The men’s winners of The Jock include Rodney Fowler, Ross Grant, Alan Van Heerden, Mark Beneke, Gary Beneke, Willie Engelbrecht, Robbie McIntosh, Anton Oberholzer, Jannie de Beer, Jock Green, Andrew McLean, Morne Bester, Malcolm Lange, Robert Hunter, Jacques Fullard, Jay Thomson, Kosie Loubser and Ian McLeod.
Female winners include Ronel van Wyk, Annette Loubser, Elsa Kaarstens, Anriette Schoeman and Anke Erlank.
