Cycling fever is reaching an all-time high in Johannesburg with the world’s second-biggest timed cycle race, the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge, taking place in Johannesburg on Sunday.
The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour still stands as the biggest timed race.
The Gauteng race, often referred to as ”Jo’burg’s Toughest”, has experienced phenomenal growth, with the number of entries growing from a mere 4 500 to 25 000 in its eighth year.
Almost 22% of the huge field are women, and approximately 300 riders in the field this year come from outside South Africa. More than 22 000 riders chose to enter the race online, a sure indication that the use of up-to-date information technology goes hand-in-hand with the enjoyment of cycling.
The widespread acceptance of Cycle Challenge Sunday in Johannesburg shows not only that the citizens of Jo’burg have embraced cycling en masse, but also that they have recognised the far-ranging benefits that the Cycle Challenge brings to the business powerhouse of Africa.
Some erroneous perceptions persist regarding the event itself — for example, that it is purely a marketing exercise, or put on only for financial gain — but it has proved to be something awesome for the city, involving individuals and cycling clubs from all over the Reef, including a rapidly growing segment of riders from Soweto.
These competitors have moved away from traditional sports such as soccer, and have happily embraced cycling, which has successfully pitched itself as a ”people’s” sport, one in which the entire family can participate. It is a sport that is much easier to take part in than most people have hitherto realised.
That may well be the bottom line for the race, which has been described by internationally acclaimed Tour de France cycling commentator Phil Liggett as ”an event leader in Southern Africa”.
Liggett went further, pointing out that ”thanks to events like the Cycle Challenge, South Africa is entering the big time in leaps and bounds, with plenty of young, raw talent breaking in. But for those of us who just want to enjoy that feeling of well-being, there is plenty of room for us as well, and this is what makes these mass-participating fun rides so rewarding for all.”
Statistics show that cycling has progressed so far up the sporting ladder that it is now ranked second, behind the ”beautiful game” of soccer. It is only a matter of time before the world starts seeing our local cycling stars in the international arena.
But if soccer is a ”beautiful game” for the world, South African cycling can claim Jo’burg to be one of its capitals. Dex de Bruin, 94.7 Highveld Stereo marketing manager, summed it all up by saying: ”Cycle Challenge Sunday is a day where the City of Jo’burg celebrates the great sport of cycling, and millions of residents have handed over their streets to cyclists for this day.” — Sapa