The Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth is bracing itself for an influx of cycling enthusiasts as it prepares to host The Herald VW Cycle Tour’s official expo and registration next Friday and Saturday.
According to event coordinator Linda Harwood, more than 30 cycling-related exhibitors will be in attendance, offering everything from hydration and nutrition products and spa services to eyewear, helmets, clothing, bikes and carrier racks.
“All the local cycle shops are represented this year, so riders will be able to take advantage of the expo-only specials, make those last-minute purchases and get some good advice from the experts.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of the tour, Harwood said there would also be a classic bike showcase, featuring the top machines of yesteryear.
“Each bike will have a little history tag, showing its date of manufacture, country of origin and other interesting facts.”
She said the expo venue on the exhibition level would include a physiotherapy area offering free sports massages by the South African Society of Physiotherapy, which provides the rubdown service at the road and mountain bike races.
“We’ll also have The Boardwalk Café there for participants needing a caffeine boost and to fuel up ahead of race day.”
After aweing the crowds with his daredevil stunts last year, multiple South African trials champion Dylan Victor would return with another death-defying display, said Harwood.
He will deliver four 20-minute demonstrations at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm on the Friday inside the venue, with three more performances at 10am, 12pm and 2pm on the Saturday.
While online entries for the festival of cycling have already closed, Harwood said entries would still be accepted at late registration, subject to a small late entry fee.
“Riders can register for both road and mountain bike races from 9am to 7pm on Friday.”
On Saturday, entries for Sunday’s feature races would be accepted between 9am and 3pm, she said.
“Moms and dads will also be able sign their kids up for Saturday’s family road races from six to 7am on the morning of the race at the Reach for a Dream gazebo at Hobie Beach.”
The race village will also be the site of the official prize-giving, which takes place at 1pm after the 106km Classic on the Sunday.
“We’re giving away a brand-new VW Polo to one lucky rider as well as household goods, mountain bikes and other prizes worth over R300 000,” said Harwood.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy the hospitality of The Boardwalk complex, with various tenants offering cycle tour specials.
Wimpy, Spur and News Café will have breakfast specials, while Leonardo’s is offering carbo-loading pasta deals to race participants. El Greco and Dulcé Café will have steak and burger specials respectively.
Visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za for more information.
Issued by:
Coetzee Gouws
082 575 7991
041 368 4992
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstop.co.za
Media enquiries:
Anica van Wyk
pr@fullstopcom.com
079 875 4299
On behalf of:
The Herald VW Cycle Tour