'Race of Truth' to test cyclists
2007-06-14
WELLINGTON is geared and well on track to host the “Race of Truth”, the individual time-trial of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) B World Championship on 29 June.
Serving as a qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the competition will extend from 26 June to 1 July and will include additional circuit-laps, a track-meet at the Bellville Velodrome and a road-race through Cape Town in tandem with the Cape Argus/Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour.
Riders will compete on a “clean” time-trial circuit with full road closure from 09:00 to 16:00 on the R45 and Lady Loch roads near Wellington.
One lane on the R44 in Agter Paarl will also be affected due to warm-ups.
The women’s section is set to cover a distance of 14,58km starting at 12:00 while the men will embark on their 28,8km solo runs from 13:30.
Event director, Alec Lenferna, says the individual time-trial is an exciting yet gruelling race against the clock.
"There is no peloton to allow for drafting and no team-mates to assist through bad patches.
"It is simply a head-down, leg-pumping drive from start to finish with no let-up if there is any desire to take the win. The quickest time wins. It's that simple.
"In addition to Wellington being an ideal location, the magnificent scenery will be televised internationally," says Lenferna.
To conform to the stringent international standards set for hosting such an event, Maaywiah Moerat from the Drakenstein Municipality says a great deal of co-operation from various departments is required to ensure success.
“We brought all stakeholders on board from the start - from the fire, traffic and tourism departments through to local police, neighbourhood watches and sports' councils.
“In addition we have a big volunteer programme in place to assist with the road closures and route control.”
Among its objectives the event is driven to create opportunities for nations, where cycling usually takes the backseat, to qualify their riders and teams for the Olympic Games.
Entry is free. Spectators are encouraged to support the elite team of SA riders chosen to represent the country.
They are Garth Thomas, Chris Willemse, Nolan Hoffmann, Dean Edwards, Martin van Wyk, Michael Pepper, Gadi Chait and Michael Thomson; and (women) Lynette Burger, Tracey van Niekerk, Ronel van Wyk, Joanne van der Westhuizen and Carla Rabie.
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