Not only will the event organisers and cyclists celebrate 13 years of cycling success, they will also celebrate the first year of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality's involvement as the official title sponsor.
This year, the Mangaung OFM Classic kicks off with the Lifestyle and Cycle Expo on November 1 and 2 at the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre.
This expo serves as a platform for exhibitors to share the latest in cycling technology with over 10 000 cycling enthusiasts from across the country.
The popular mountain bike race will be hosted on Saturday, November 2 2013 at the Windmill Casino and Entertainment Centre.
The route, which has been designed by mountain bike enthusiasts, will make for a challenging ride of uphills, twists and turns on the back roads of Bloemfontein. Entrants can choose to take on the 25km or 65km trails.
On Sunday, November 3 cyclists will hit the streets of Mangaung for the 106km timed event and the supporting 30km untimed fun race.
The race will once again start and finish at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.This year the race boasts R160 000 in prize money and lucky draw prizes.
Mangaung Metro general manager for communications, Qondile Khedama said: "We see this partnership as conduit towards realising some of our goals, particularly around social cohesion, but also in popularising cycling as one of the sporting codes that must be promoted among our youth."
Mangaung city manager, Sibongile Mazibuko, said: "It comes at the right time when we are prioritising activities that seek to close the racial gap in the city and those that promote good health.
"As the leadership of the municipality, we need to leave a legacy that will inspire coming generations. It is our responsibility to ensure every decision we take bears a value, especially to citizens of Mangaung."
For OFM, the Mangaung OFM Classic is put together as part of giving back to the region said Tumi Sefemo, OFM's communications manager.
"As the event's main organiser, we will work very hard to ensure that cyclists and cycling enthusiasts alike have an exhilarating experience at the Classic.
"The Classic will once again partner with the Free State Government to ensure that the Mangaung OFM Classic remains a premium event on South Africa's cycling calendar and the safest cycling race in the country," said Sefemo.
Contents and photographs for this page were supplied and signed off by Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality