|
|
|
Home  Barberton Times 30/06/10 Jock retains original format
|
Jun
30
2010
|
30/06/10 Jock retains original format |
|
|
Wednesday, 30 June 2010 |
|
It’s been seven years since the Jock Cycle Classique has been run as a three-stage event and the big news for 2010 is that the popular Jock returns to its traditional format where cyclists will tackle three stages in one day on some of the most beautiful cycling roads in the country.It will take place on July 24 starting with the first stage from Barberton to Nelspruit, the second from Nelspruit to Kaapmuiden and the third from Kaapmuiden back to Barberton.The event’s numbers have dwindled over the past seven years, mostly courtesy of the decision to start running it as a once-off 150-km race in 2003. The 2010 Jock will afford riders who have managed to keep going the opportunity to get back into action properly. Riders will be served breakfast at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Nelspruit after the first stage, and after the second stage they’ll be able to dig into lunch at Kaapmuiden Primary School.Former South African champion Douglas Ryder expressed his excitement at returning to the old format of the Jock. “This brings the pros and amateurs closer together as they will converge at every venue. But it doesn’t detract from the fact that the race remains tough and a true challenge for the pros.”Andrew McLean said it puts the Jock within reach of more cyclists now. “A lot of riders love the event, but most of them couldn’t manage the 150 kilometres. The incurring travel and accommodation expenses just didn’t seem worth their while if they could only participate in one stage on the day. You couldn’t really lay claim to the fact that you had ridden the Jock. Now all of that changes,” he said. The organisation of the new Jock is done by Cyclingnews Magazine under the guidance of Wynand de Villiers, who also organizes eight other established races annually. Egbert de Bruyn of the Jock Cycle Club, who has been organising the Jock for the past five years, remains in the frame as route director.Another experienced race organiser, Johan du Toit, who annually organizes the Cansa Lost City Cycling Festival, is also a member of the committee. He will be in charge of the Barberton and Kaapmuiden starts while the Jock Club will take care of proceedings in Nelspruit.For an entry fee of R450, riders will receive breakfast after the first stage, pasta after the second, a Jock T-shirt as well as a well-stocked goody bag with lots of endurance aids and a free copy of Cyclingnews Magazine. The entry fee for two stages are R240 and for one stage R140.Riders will also be able to share in activities and entertainment at the Barber Reef Festival, which takes place at Barberton High School on the same weekend as the Jock. Cyclists can enter on-line at www.cyclelab.com For any other enquiries contact Egbert de Bruyn on 082-926-7395 or phone Cyclingnews on 011- 662-2494 or email
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
|
|
