The Herald VW Cycle Tour entrants should get the new year off to a flying start by resolving to have their bicycles properly serviced ahead of Nelson Mandela Bay’s biggest annual cycling festival.

This was the recommendation of Andrew Briggs, manager of local bike shop Cyclo Pro, which will be the event’s official technical support provider on January 31 and February 1.

“Ideally, you want to service your bike at least three weeks in advance, which gives you a chance to ride it, test it and make your final tweaks and adjustments before race day.”

Briggs said all of the metro’s cycle shops would get busy ahead of the country’s second oldest national classic, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

“It’s a good idea to bring your bike in for a full service. The shop mechanics will also check your tyres, gears and chain to make sure they are not too worn.”

He said it helped to have new tyres on the road because worn tread could put a rider out of the race due to punctures.

“Out at Addo, the course is quite thorny and technical, so mountain bikers must always make sure they have sealant in their tyres and strong sidewalls.”

Briggs said Cyclo Pro would have two mobile mechanics on mountain bikes to assist riders with minor emergency repairs in the 30km Powerade Leisure Challenge on the Saturday.

“A ruling by Cycling South Africa means we are not allowed to assist on the longer mountain bike routes.”

He suggested that these riders carry a repair kit, spare tube and bombs for punctures, a multitool for minor fixes as well as a chain link and chain breaker.

“In dusty or muddy conditions, a small bottle of lube is a good idea and some people even take a spare dropout.”

On the Sunday, said Briggs, roaming vehicle-based mechanics would do duty on the 55km Pursuit and 106km Classic road race routes.

“The most common problems we come across are usually punctures, gear failure and chains that break, so that’s why it’s so important to check these in advance and carry the right tools.”

If a participant could not continue due to the severity of the technical problem, the sweep vehicle would collect both rider and bike and return them to the start, he said.

“Should riders need medical assistance, they can phone the joint operations centre. The emergency contact details will be printed on their race numbers.”

Briggs said the shop would also have a station at both the Addo Polo Club and Hobie Beach race villages for emergency repairs and last-minute adjustments just before the start.

“We’ll also have a stall at the expo at The Boardwalk Hotel where participants will be able to stock up on everything from helmets to kit, gloves, water bottles, bombs, tubes and tyres.”

Cyclo Pro, which has been involved with the event for the past four years, would also be giving away a child’s bike during the family road races on the Saturday, he said.

“It’s a lucky draw prize and we’ll guide the winner in choosing the right bike for their age and size.”

Enter at www.heraldcycletour.co.za.