Gordon’s Bay is proud host to the start of the Race2Stanford Triathlon (The Detour), which takes place from 07:00 this Saturday (22 October).
Local businesses have banded together to create a truly Tour de France-type festive atmosphere and invites all Helderbergers to join in the fun by cheering on participating triathletes.
Billed as the country’s most beautiful triathlon, the latest instalment of The Detour route starts at Gordon’s Bay Main Beach with a 1,9 km swim in the warmer, calm waters of the quaint seaside village.
Locals can grab a steaming morning cuppa java and eatables from restaurants, which will be open from 06:00 on the day. Master of ceremonies Richard Loring will pump-up the entertainment with supportive cheerleaders, athletes’ families and community members adding to the excitement.
Guided by a colourful “guard of honour”, triathletes will sprint out of the water, jump on their bicycles and head along Beach Road to Clarence Drive for a spectacular 90 km cycle to Hermanus – the scenic whale route that was voted “the most beautiful drive in the world” by the New York Times. From Hermanus there will be a 21 km run along trail and tar to Stanford for the finish.
“Offering stunning vistas, this world-class event will attract triathletes from around the world – a boon to tourism,” said Gordon Burnham-King, chairperson of the Gordon’s Bay Business Forum.
“Businesses will be decorated, guest houses are offering incentives and restaurants are offering special carb loading items on their menus.”
Juanita Wilson, head of Gordon’s Bay Tourism, reckons the area is the perfect event location.
“Our location is central, the village is intimate and the layout of town and beachfront lends itself perfectly for athletic events,” she said.
“We have a picture-perfect bay, scenic Clarence Drive views, the magnificent Kogelberg Nature Reserve, a warm and vibey community as well as thriving beachfront shops and restaurants.”
The event precedes the second annual Harbour2Harbour swim, which is scheduled to take place in Gordon’s Bay on Sunday (23 October). The event, powered by KFC, will attract some 450 swimmers participating in the 3 km swim from Harbour Island to the Old Harbour and back as well as a simultaneous 1,6 km swim from the Old Harbour to Harbour Island and a 4 x 400 m relay around Harbour Island. Entries close today (Wednesday 19 October).
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To enter, go to Fluidlines.co.za and click on the top bar where it says Harbour2Harbour, and follow the instructions.
