Eastern Cape Motors will ensure that The Herald Cycle Tour stays on the proverbial straight and narrow when they continue a long association with the iconic cycling classic next month.
The event, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, caters for all types – whether their bicycles are of the fat or skinny wheel variety. It starts with the mountain bike races at the Addo Polo Club on February 13, followed by the road programme at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on February 19 and 20.
With an emphasis on supporting local events, Dale Cuthbert, North End general manager and Eastern Cape Motors coordinator for the tour, said they had come on board for the inaugural race in 1986, “helping the race to get on the road”.
“We were involved for many years before another sponsor took over from 2005 to 2016,” he said. “But we resumed our association with The Herald Cycle Tour in 2017 and hope to continue well into the future.”
“The Eastern Cape Motor Group is largely Eastern Cape-based, so we have for the last 37 years regarded ourselves as being very proud and privileged to have the region as our foundation and base,” said Cuthbert.
With exceptional organisation, and participation across many age-groups and walks of life, the prestige road race and a professional mountain bike event were all elements that made it stand out, said Cuthbert.
He said the company’s range of vehicles was well suited to the requirements of The Herald Cycle Tour. As a monetary and vehicle sponsor, they supply 26 vehicles – Rangers, Everests, EcoSports and Figos – to assist with both events.
The 80km Extreme, on February 13, headlines the off-road programme. Other events include the 60km Adventure, 30km Leisure, 30km Tandem, 5km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash.
The 106km Classic is the mainstay of the road events on Sunday, February 20, with the 55km Adventure for age groups and tandems the alternative option.
On the previous day, the 2km Kiddies’ Ride and 500m Toddlers’ Dash will give youngsters an opportunity to be part of the festival of cycling.
Online entries close at midnight on February 6. For more information or to enter, visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za.
