Entries for the ever-popular Bestmed Satellite Classic close at midnight on Tuesday.
The event is set to roll along the best cycling roads around Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg area on October 17.
According to race organiser Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events, the road race on the Saturday provides one of the best tests of form ahead of Gauteng’s biggest cycling event, the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge.
“There are myriad reasons for this but most notably the incredible scenery on the route and the fact that it offers almost the exact same degree of difficulty,” said De Villiers.
He said the first half of both the 106km and 80km routes would wind past the dam at a time of day when the usually busy roads were dead quiet, affording cyclists a safe opportunity to take in their surroundings.
“They’re more often than not greeted by a glassy Harties without a breath of wind. It’s a breathtaking and surreal moment of stillness.”
While the feature race presented a test comparable to the Cycle Challenge, De Villiers said the 80km option was ideal for riders who were not yet at full fitness by offering them a more manageable ride to gauge their form.
“But both routes test their climbing legs with the four-kilometre Hekpoort monster.”
After conquering Hekpoort, he warned that the racing would be far from over, with a final sting in the tail waiting on Poeierbult.
“It’s a short climb but it looms just 10 kilometres from the finish, which makes it a real backbreaker.
“So there’s honestly no better preparation for 94.7.”
In addition, he said both the 106km and 80km road races were premier seeding events for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
“We’ve also introduced a 60km event this year, especially for the fun riders.”
On the Sunday, mountain bikers can look forward to a true riding challenge in the 40km off-road race.
“Our route director Darren Herbst has worked tirelessly on the mountain bike route,” said De Villiers.
“It’s not a race for beginners and is really something for those with technical skills to display their abilities, with lots of ups and downs and winding trail sections.”
He suggested beginners and social riders should try out the 20km option.
Saloon Route 66 on the Hartebeeshoek Road will be the start/finish venue for all events.
As has become Bestmed tradition, R10 of every entry will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Enter at www.asgevents.co.za/satelliteclassic and find the race on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
