The second leg of the ProTouch Cycling Club National Criterium Series, held in conjunction with the Emperors Palace Road Classic this coming Sunday, will mark a return to the famous old circuit featuring the Chariots Statue.
“The support of Emperors Palace has allowed us to reinstate the traditional route that enables spectators to witness the thrills of criterium racing at close quarters. Not only have we received permission to remove the speed bumps on the route, the Gautrain buses will also be diverted for the two-hour period of the criterium to ensure an uninterrupted flow of racing,” said ASG Events’ Wynand de Villiers.
The criterium forms part of a new Liberty-supported series for the first time and the race has been running at Emperors Palace for nine years.
“In the past we limited the standalone race to an elite field of 30 riders, but the series now incorporates all CSA licensed categories,” said De Villiers.
After the success of the first leg that took place alongside the Berge en Dale Classic in February, Tony Harding of ProTouch Sports anticipates a great vibe at the event, which follows directly after the 98km feature race.
“One can almost reach out and touch the riders. Unlike normal road races where you only see the start and finish, the lap format on a closed circuit allows you to watch a complete race unfold before your eyes,” he said.
He believed criterium racing was the perfect add-on to road races and afforded the country’s top riders an opportunity to showcase their skills.
“They need this type of racing to display their talent. Tight circuits featuring lots of starts and stops suit riders with good bike handling skills and lots of power,” said Harding.
The Emperors Palace MTB Classic, which is presented by OR Tambo International Airport, takes place the previous day.
For more information, visit www.asgevents.co.za or find the race on Facebook.
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