Following speculation that the popular Jock cycle tour might be cancelled, organisers yesterday confirmed that this year's tour is definitely on.
Following speculation that the popular Jock cycle tour might be cancelled, organisers yesterday confirmed that this year's tour is definitely on.
One of the country's oldest road races will go ahead as planned on July 21, celebrating its 24th edition with a new route through the Mpumalanga lowveld.
"The Jock tour is definitely on," said race director Egbert de Bruyn.
"We will have the same distances of 150km, 105km and 58km, but ongoing road works have forced us to adjust the route somewhat, which will probably be a welcome change for the participants," he said.
Not only is the Jock and established race in the country, it is one of the toughest.
The 150km event includes 2325m of vertical ascent, making it arguably the most challenging single-day cycle race on the national road calendar.
The event attracts more than 2000 participants each year and is used by many as a reason to continue training through winter.
The mild Mpumalanga climate offers pleasant race conditions for this popular mid-winter event that has been without a major sponsor since 2005.
"We are facing some financial challenges and are still trying hard to find a title sponsor as that will help boost the event tremendously," said De Bruyn.
The yearly 7km Jock Hillclimb challenge will also be held as usual this year on July 22. -Sapa
Jock cycle tour definitely on, says organiser
Following speculation that the popular Jock cycle tour might be cancelled, organisers yesterday confirmed that this year's tour is definitely on.
Following speculation that the popular Jock cycle tour might be cancelled, organisers yesterday confirmed that this year's tour is definitely on.
One of the country's oldest road races will go ahead as planned on July 21, celebrating its 24th edition with a new route through the Mpumalanga lowveld.
"The Jock tour is definitely on," said race director Egbert de Bruyn.
"We will have the same distances of 150km, 105km and 58km, but ongoing road works have forced us to adjust the route somewhat, which will probably be a welcome change for the participants," he said.
Not only is the Jock and established race in the country, it is one of the toughest.
The 150km event includes 2325m of vertical ascent, making it arguably the most challenging single-day cycle race on the national road calendar.
The event attracts more than 2000 participants each year and is used by many as a reason to continue training through winter.
The mild Mpumalanga climate offers pleasant race conditions for this popular mid-winter event that has been without a major sponsor since 2005.
"We are facing some financial challenges and are still trying hard to find a title sponsor as that will help boost the event tremendously," said De Bruyn.
The yearly 7km Jock Hillclimb challenge will also be held as usual this year on July 22. -Sapa
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos