With an increased prize purse of R130 000, The Herald Volkswagen Cycle Tour has reaffirmed its status as one of the richest races in the country.
Race director Shane Bradfield said yesterday the prize money for the 24th edition of the Eastern Cape’s premier race – which will take place from January 31 to February 1 in and around Port Elizabeth – had been increased by R32 000 from last year.
He said R90 000 would be up for grabs in the road race and R40 000 in the mountain biking events.
“The men’s winner in the 105km road race will pocket R10 000,” he said. “The first woman will receive R7 500.”
In the 85km mountain bike feature event the men’s en women’s winners will get R5 000 and R4 000 respectively, according to Bradfield. The Vodacom-sponsored 65km race offers R3 500 and R1 500 to the respective top performers.
The Herald VW Cycle Tour will also be the opening leg of the new national Alpha Pharm Seeding Series. This series, with a R200 000 prize pool, consists of 15 of the country’s top races.
Bradfield said in addition to cash incentives all entrants stood the chance to win a VW Citi Golf in the lucky draw that was scheduled to take place on the lake at The Boardwalk after the event. Other lucky draw prizes include Schwinn bicycles and appliances from Tony’s Appliances.
All finishers will receive medals and all entrants will receive a goodie bag sponsored by Pick n Pay. Powerade will see to it that thirsts are quenched at water points and at the finish of all races.
The Herald VW Cycle Tour weekend starts with four mountain bike events on Saturday, January 31, from the Addo Polo Club. These are the 85km feature race, the 65km Vodacom Challenge, a 42km fun ride and the CHOC Kiddies’ Challenge.
The road events get underway on the same day from The Boardwalk in Port Elizabeth with the MTR Smit 30km Family Fun Ride and the Reach for a Dream Kiddies’ Challenge.
The 105km main race and the 75km Schools and Open Challenge will take place the following day.
Entry forms are available from cycle shops, www.heraldcycletour.co.za or www.cyclelab.co.za. For more information, phone Shane Bradfield on 074 114 4811.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
082 575 7991
041 368 4992
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
Avusa (The Herald)