The countdown to the 2016 Standard Bank Africa Cycle Fair at St Stithians College has begun, and this year’s event, from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 October, promises even more for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.
“Standard Bank is proud to be associated with the Standard Bank Africa Cycle Fair, which provides a popular family outing for those who are passionate about the sport. Cycling is also a fast-growing sport in South Africa, and we look forward to engaging with cycling enthusiasts once again for the third consecutive year”, says Nikki Twomey, Head of Standard Bank Group Marketing & Communication.
Visitors to the fairground will be able to style their ride with all the latest in cycling and outdoor sports gear, be part of the action as SA’s top high school mountain biking and cycling teams participate in the inaugural MTB Interprovincial race, as well as to race their pulse by measuring their power output against professional riders while enjoying a great family outing.
“This year’s event promises to provide much more cycling entertainment and participation for visitors, with the introduction of the MTB Schools Interprovincial event, pro-am Watt Challenge and Qhubeka Buffalo Bike Challenge, says Tony Harding, organiser of these new additions to the fair.
On Saturday 22 October 2016, the first-ever ProQuest High School MTB Interprovincial race will take place on the St Stithians XCO track – built by legendary MTB trail builder, Neil Evans. High schools riders across South Africa have been invited to compete, with prizes up for grabs for top performers and medals for all participants.
Cyclists can come and measure their power output and endurance, and see how they match up to the professional riders from some of SA’s top road cycling teams. The ProQuest Watt Challenge, powered by CycleOps, will take place over the full weekend and there will be a leader board and prizes for top outputs in various age categories.
On Sunday 23 October 2016, SA’s pro-riders and corporate teams will tackle the Buffalo Bike in a 1km lap race in the Qhubeka Buffalo Bike Challenge, presented by CycleSure. The event hopes to raise awareness for the Qhubeka Foundation and the good it has delivered across rural communities. CycleSure is sponsoring ten Buffalo Bikes with helmets and accessories, and is challenging corporates to enter their teams to compete too. For each corporate entry of R 3 200 per team, an additional Buffalo Bike will be donated to the Qhubeka Project. To find out more please email info@protouchsports.co.za
For the young aspiring cyclists who would like to improve their mountain biking skills, there will be a specially-erected short course with pros on hand to coach them on Sunday 23 October. Parents of primary school children can also find out more about the KidzOnBikes schools cycling programme.
Look out for the ProQuest Donation Bins at the fairground – donations will be made to under resourced clubs and schools, to help develop SA’s future cycling talent.
Tickets for the 2016 Standard Bank Africa Cycle Fair are available from webtickets http://bit.ly/2d2IY4b with a weekend pass for just R100, day visitor adult ticket R75 and, children under 18 years are free. Limited tickets will be available at the fairground, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.