It is back to school for roadies who sign up for the 10th edition of the Bestmed Campus2Campus SuperClassic later this month.
They will not only enjoy a new venue – the Potchefstroom campus of North-West University – but will be examined on a new route when the national classic kicks into gear on September 28.
Although it starts and finishes at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potch, all three of the university’s campuses have joined forces to celebrate a memorable decade.
NWU event coordinator Johan Pyper said it was a huge privilege to play host to the race, especially as it commemorated the life of Springbok cyclist and former Pukke student Ertjies Bezuidenhout.
The three-time Argus champion, who also won the revered Rapport Tour, had been the patron of his alma mater’s event until his death two years ago.
“Cycling embodies various character traits that NWU not only values but also strives to emulate. These include determination, courage and the will to keep improving,” said Pyper.
He said it was the dedicated efforts of the organising team that made the Campus2Campus such a raging success each year.
Pyper said riders could once again look forward to a great atmosphere at the start/finish venue inside the Rag Farm, which also offers ablution facilities and plenty of safe parking.
“The rag committee is in charge of entertainment. There’ll be various refreshment stalls, a beer garden and fun rides for the whole family.”
He said Pukke students would also do duty as marshals, man water points and hand out medals to finishers.
Race director Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events said the event provided “a true campus experience for road riders”.
He said previous races had started at the NWU campus in Vanderbijlpark and, more recently, the military base near Ventersdorp.
“This year, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to Ertjies to move the event to his home campus of Potch.”
De Villiers said the Tlokwe municipality had granted permission for organisers to proceed with the change of venue and also for riders to cross the N12.
“The new route for the feature race is on a fantastically smooth road towards Parys.”
He said the 107km out-and-back course alternated between flats and mild, rolling undulations, making it the ideal training race for those preparing for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
“There will be some exciting racing in the last 30km, as there’s a good possibility of a tailwind and a fast finish.”
Last year, Bonitas sprinter Herman Fouché claimed his second straight win in the classic.
For cyclists looking for a less challenging social ride, De Villiers said the 50km would take them onto the quieter Tygerfontein road.
“The little ones will also have their own rides to look forward to,” he added.
Children between three and five years old will pedal a 500m circuit inside the Rag Farm, while budding cyclists aged six to eight can prepare for future greatness on a 3km track.
Enter at www.asgevents.co.za before September 17. R10 from every race entry will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Registration takes place between 10am and 4pm on the preceding Friday at Cycle Lab Fourways and from 10am to 2pm on the Saturday at the Rag Farm on NWU’s Potchefstroom campus.
For more information, contact eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
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041 368 4992
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On behalf of:
Cyclingnews & ASG Events