Sunday 4th February saw the final day of time trials and championship races. As Head of Sector for Tourism and Ecological Sustainability with the Local Economic Development Forum, as well as needing to represent our local business interests, I was determined to be there and learn what I could to help our Village businesses for the future.
The organisation was excellent, the venue beautiful and the hospitality welcoming and comfortable. At the Start and Finish line the Circus Café was hard at work.
I was offered the opportunity to follow the final race in the race manager’s car. Who would have thought things could get so interesting at an average 60km an hour.
The race followed the Bosco loop three times, then a strenuous haul through the Suikerbos Reserve, a total distance of 180km. It was during this last section that I learned that the Suikerbos, at between 1 545m and 1 917m above sea level, is considered ideal training at elevation for those hoping to compete in other countries, for example, the hillier parts of Europe.
Driving with the Race meant learning an amazing amount of technical and general interest information. (Being a Dance teacher means I went in full of ignorance and came out full of wonder and admiration). Cyclists and their families came from around the country, including some of international standing, and there were even some cycling dynasties. Continuous safety, time and distance checks were relayed to team managers, cyclists need for water, tyre changes, (which are as speedy as Formula one changes) and the odd banana were similarly relayed up and down the field. Feeding stations set up at approved points, were quick to respond, cyclists who needed to leave the main bubble of riders were assisted back in once attended to. Falls (which happen) were quickly responded to, and support teams were managed with a firm hand and concern only for the cyclists and their wellbeing. The car does not pause, or stop, it keeps pace with the tail end of the main pack, and it is only when feeling the force of the turns in the back of the car that you realise the reality of the speed on those cycles. 180km of Road Cycle racing uses up an enormous quantity of fluids and energy, which was witnessed as the competitors finished bottle after bottle of water and energy supplemented fluids.
As predicted by my fellow passenger in the back, the early leaders often became tired, and the back runners in the main group (using the same slipstream energy saving technique migrating birds are so good at) pulled ahead. The first three in were greeted by ecstatic cheers, and after a short break during which I was able to speak to assorted people and gauge the importance of having more events of all kinds in the area, the Awards Ceremony began.
The Midvaal LED Forum were represented by Chairperson Nthapeleng Moteka and Deputy Chair Nthabiseng Manchidi, and Midvaal was represented by MMC Mokete Motsmai, and Municipal Manager Anton Groenewand as well as some of the Midvaal Tourism Staff. The Forum will ensure that Local Businesses are included in future events, allowing for time to advertise and encourage more visitors to the events planned. Cycling SA and Midvaal have agreed on a three-year plan to have as many events here as possible. These will include road, off road, BMX, and other classes, and participants of all ages and from all parts of the country will be attending.
The presentation ceremony was, quick and well organised (although I tend to wonder at the waste of perfectly good bubbly) and the day ended on a high of successful racing, family fun and the knowledge that a major event of this kind is perfect for this area.
