EVENTS

Early bird entries have opened for the biggest funride in the Free State, the PPA Mangaung Cycle Tour. As in the past, this iconic Free State event will again be a Premier Seeding Series event for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

The 2018 PPA Mangaung Cycle Tour takes place in Bloemfontein on Sunday 4 November 2018. Cyclists can get ready for a great weekend of cycling. Those who are tough enough can take on the Bloem Mountain Bike Challenge hosted by Afri Adventures on Saturday 3 November as a warm-up for the road race on the Sunday.

“We are looking forward to hosting cyclists from across the country at the event this year,” said PPA CEO Robert Vogel. “The event should serve as a catalyst to grow road cycling in the province. We don’t want road cyclists to miss out on the opportunity of a local seeding series event” explained Vogel.

The Pedal Power Association, a public benefit organisation, is committed to encouraging more people to ride bicycles, with a particular focus on utility cycling and youth cycling.PPA raises awareness for cyclist safety through its “Stay Wider of the Rider” campaign. Profits from the event will be invested in local cycling development projects in the Free State.

Last year Jacques Greeff was the first male rider to cross the finish line in 2:34:18, with Maude Elaine le Roux, a triathlete, taking the first female position with a time of 2:51:27. This year some fast times can be expected again.

Participants can enter one of two distances, a 103 km route (which will be used as seeding for the 2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour), or a shorter 32 km route.

More detail on the routes will be published soon.

Discounted “Early Bird” entries will be available from 2 July 2018 to 10 August 2018, where after normal entry fees apply. Late entries will be taken during registration on Saturday 3 November from 10h00 to 18h00 at the SA School of Armour, Tempe Military Base.

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