WINDHOEK - Arrangements for Cycle Classic, the country’s largest sporting event in terms of entrants are well on track.
The two-day gathering gets underway on the 13th of next month in Windhoek, comprising of three cycling races and two running events.
Saturday, October 13 promises to be quite a busy day, starting early with a mountain bike (MTB) race in three distance categories, to be followed by both the 10 km competitive timed run and a 5 km fun run and walk, later in the morning for the non-cyclists.
Later in the day, shortly after the MTB prize giving ceremony, boys and girls aged 12 and under, will have an opportunity to show their mettle by taking part in the Kiddies Classic.
Toddlers are also welcome to participate, with a blind-eye turned if the little ones get a helping push from grandparents. To promote cycling as a fun family sport, already to be enjoyed from an early age, great emphasis is placed on marketing the Kiddies Classic.
It’s anticipated that the entry number for the children’s event will reach an all-time high this year. Cycle Classic’s draw card and star event, the road bike (RB) race in four distance categories, will be staged on Sunday October 14.
This particular race always attract the highest number of entrants and the organising team has been burning the midnight oil preparing a new route in an effort to give the event a renewed sparkle.
Held annually since 1999, Cycle Classic is a major community service and fund-raising project of Rotary Club Windhoek and over the years numerous institutions, organisations, needy causes and individuals across Namibia have benefited from the proceeds generated.
Competitive cyclists and even those who cycle for fun are eligible to enter the MTB and RB races. Cyclists with a physical disability are encouraged to participate whilst the same applies to the run and walk components of Cycle Classic.
With different distance categories and the inclusion of a Kiddies Classic, families are encouraged to enter teams, irrespective of age or level of fitness because this is what sets Cycle Classic apart from other sporting gatherings.
Made up of members from Rotary Club, Windhoek Pedal Power, Quinton Steel-Botes Khomas Hochland Athletics Club and T-Rex Tribe, the organising team are hard at work to make this year’s edition even bigger than last year’s event.
Introduced for the first time ever this year, there will be entry packages for families and for the ultra-fit cyclists planning to participate in both the MTB and the RB races. Entry for Cycle Classic opens in the first week of September.