RUFUS BOTHA
PPA (Pedal Power Association) and the Mangaung Municipality joined forces in 2014 to stage what promises to become a prestigious annual seeding cycling road race for the popular Cape Town Cycle Tour, right in the centre of the City of Roses.
The PPA Mangaung Cycling Tour, as it is known kicked off last year with 108 km and 40 km events and drew a decent kick-off participation total of 850 cyclists. This year's tour will be staged on 1 November and two road race events will be on offer, 106 km and 30 km. The organizers expect more than 1500 cyclists will rock up to participate in the mentioned events. The 106 km will be the seeding event for the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour.
The races will commence from 06:00 from Grey College in Jock Meiring Street and although pre-entries closed, entries can still be done on the Friday and Saturday prior to the mentioned races.
PPA chairman, Steven Hayward said at the media launch: “We are hoping to not only attract the local Free State riders but cyclists across the country”.
He added: “This year’s event will once again be aimed at the recreational rider but local professional riders are most welcome to participate in the race. We will be hosting various off-road events on Saturday 31 October, as well.
