Cycle For CANSA
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is once again the proud beneficiary of the Powerade Lost City Cycle Challenge Classic and the Bestmed Lost City Mountain-Bike Events taking place 17 & 18 August 2013.
Since 1998, the CANSA Lost City Cycling Challenge has grown into a ‘tour de force’ of an awareness tool and fundraiser for CANSA’s wide-reaching service including prevention and education programs as well as patient care and support to children and their families affected by cancer. There will be two options to choose from: a road race and a Mountain-bike race.
The Road Race
According to Johan du Toit, the race organiser, in order to enhance the safety of the road race riders, the 115km road race route received a complete overhaul. “We have received positive feedback from the riders, stating that although there are speed bumps, they feel much safer with limited traffic on the roads. We wanted to provide the riders with an idea of what it is like riding overseas, where technical skills are put to a test in bumpy roads,” says du Toit.
Riders will go through a number of villages and will pass the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as well as the royal palace. For riders preparing for the next season, there is a 69km race which is largely flat and a nice way to ease into the season.
The Mountain-Bike Classic
The Bestmed Lost City Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic, now in its seventh year, has become one of the ‘must do’ events on the MTB calendar.
“It is for this reason that we have formed partnerships with CANSA and Incolabs. In addition, we committed to sponsoring the Bestmed Lost City MTB Classic race and other sporting events, with a view to encouraging South Africans to adopt a healthier lifestyle that will in the long term promote the prevention of ill health. We know that achieving and maintaining optimal health is a combination of numerous factors, one of which is regular exercise,” comments Fritz.
Boasting two distance options – 25km and 60km, the Bestmed Lost City MTB Classic race caters for both the novice and experienced mountain biker. The shorter route will take riders right into the heart of the Letsating Game Reserve, where riders might spot elephants and rhinos.
The 60km route is a true mountain biker’s course with tough challenges and ample technical terrain. After the first 25km, riders exit the Letsating Game Reserve and complete a further 30 kilometers on the other side of the main road in a game reserve. The route comprises some challenging riding terrain on jeep track and some surprises awaiting the mountain bikers, ‘Kap om Pappie’, Gods Window and Heartbreak hill will test their fitness levels. The few rocky areas will require technical skill. Three well equipped refreshment points on the route will be there when needed the most. Girrafes, Wildebeest, bush bucks and much more game will be watching over the cyclists.
“Bestmed is proud to be associated with this event that benefits an organisation that does excellent work in so many aspects of cancer control and education in South Africa and we wish all of the riders a safe and enjoyable ride,” says Fritz.
For more information visit www.cansalostcity.co.za or contact Miemie Nel on 014 533 0694 or 082 520 8444 or send an e-mail to mnel@cansa.org.za. You can also visit www.cansa.org.za or call CANSA on their toll-free number on 0800 22 66 22.
