Former professional cyclist Hanco Kachelhoffer, who had an illustrious career in the sport, is not surprised at the rapid entry uptake for the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour, which takes place on 4 December in Paarl.
“Besides the incredible beauty of the Boland, we have low traffic volumes and wonderful road conditions,” he said. “Motorists in the Boland are patient and accommodating and law enforcement is exceptional.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to ensure a safe cycling environment for races in other parts of the country. Paarl is probably the fastest growing area in South Africa and a logical extension for a mass participation cycling event. The resurrection of the Burger Sanlam Tour is long overdue.
“It’s little wonder the Burger Sanlam hosted in excess of 10 000 riders and it’s bound to attract similar participation totals in its remodelled guise as the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour.”
Entries for the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour are open at www.devilliersnationalcycling.co.za and are filling up fast.
Kachelhoffer, a Grey College alumnus, now owns Bicycle Garage in Paarl, along with his wife, another former pro, An-Li Kachelhoffer. They moved to Paarl a few years ago and says motorists are diligent, law abiding and patient in the Boland.
“There is no better geographical area in the country for road cycling,” says Kachelhoffer. “There is a different tempo in the Boland and yet it is centrally located close to Cape Town. The Boland is such a beautiful place to ride your bike and the roads lend themselves to road cycling.
“Traffic is generally calm and road users are a lot more forgiving and patient than in other parts of the country. And our road surfaces are excellent.”
His comments are echoed by Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour Race Director, Wynand de Villiers. He has pioneered and managed a vast number of road cycling events over the past 21 years, including the Tour du Cap, Boland 100 Miler, Montecasino Classico, Die Groot Trap, Emperors Palace Classic, Satellite Classic, Berge en Dale and Jock Tour.
According to De Villiers the success of a mass participation road event is dependent on a myriad of factors, and the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour automatically ticks many boxes because of its location in the Boland.
“Big events also need a high level of buy-in from law enforcement,” he said. “The race has strong backing from the Drakenstein Traffic Department as well as provincial traffic. It also boasts experienced and well-trained static and roving marshals who operate under the seasoned guidance of Andre Gilliland from the Wellington Lions Club.”
The 105 km route for the Netwerk 24 Paarl Cycle Tour presents 1 100 m vertical ascent. The 45 km ride features 600 m vertical ascent.
De Villiers says the route presents a mild challenge. “We want to place the race within reach of as many cycling enthusiasts as possible,” he said. “As a result we haven’t included any of the big mountain passes around Paarl.
“We wanted to make it accessible, but in the same breath it remains a significant achievement to complete 105 km, or even 45 km. It’s really something to be proud of.”
Peninsula Beverages (Coca Cola) will look after hydration requirements on the day, and riders will also be spoilt with tasty eats at waterpoints, courtesy of Food Lover’s Market.
Race information are as follows
Date: 4 December 2022
Time: 06:00
Venue: Faure Street Stadium| Paarl
Distances: 105 km | 45 km
On-line entry fees:
105 km: R490
45 km: R370
Timed by RaceTec
The event caters for all categories of licensed CSA cyclists as well as open/seeded riders. Riders will be seeded in bunches according to the Cycle Events National Seeding Ladder.
Number collection will take place on the following dates:
Chris Willemse Cycles, Durbanville | Thursday 1 December 09:00-16:00
Chris Willemse Cycles, Durbanville | Friday 2 December 09:00-16:00
Bicycle Garage, | Paarl | Saturday 3 December: 09:00-15:00
More information and entries: www.devilliersnationalcycling.co.za
Contact 083 534 7979 or devillierscycling@mweb.co.za
*Released by De Villiers National Cycling, on behalf of the Netwerk24 Paarl Cycle Tour.
