All licensed and registered cyclists are welcome to ride in the Nashua Tshwane Capital Classic on Sunday without fear of facing a ban or being fined. This assurance was given on Monday by Hannes le Roux, chairperson of Gauteng North Cycling (GNC).
Le Roux gave this assurance against the backdrop of a ”misunderstanding” about the event following an initial warning that went out to all Cycling South Africa members within the province that they would be fined if they took part.
Following a discussion with advocate Salim Yousuf, chairperson of the Tshwane Chamber of Business, the issue was resolved.
”It was all a misunderstanding. Chamsa [Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa] Tshwane isn’t a club, and hence we aren’t bound by the rules of CSA or GNC,” said Yousuf.
”It’s a celebration of cycling and we all want to work together for the upliftment of the Pretoria city centre. The future of this event is massive.
”We want it to be right up there with the likes of the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge and the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour. It has strong backing from the city, the metro police and Chamsa Tshwane.
”It is presented on one of the most scenic routes in the city and more than 70% of the route boasts full road closure. More than 40 metro police officials, 40 marshals and 50 other security personnel will be on duty, so it’s a big effort.
”It’s a scenic and challenging route, but the format, whereby cyclists can enter any one of five distances — from 20km to 100km — makes it accessible to everybody. I believe the event manager, Wynand de Villiers, in conjunction with metro police, has laid out a stunning course which boasts something of everything.
”It’s taken a huge effort from Metro to ensure an almost traffic-free course in the city centre, and we are indebted to them for their efforts. The event forms the cornerstone of the massive initiative to uplift the Pretoria city centre and we’re all very excited about it.”
Online entries for the Nashua Tshwane Capital Classic close on Tuesday and entries will be accepted at the registration venues. — Sapa