Entries open for the Challenge

Sporting a brand-new logo, the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge has ridden into view. It’s time to get those entries in.
ENTRIES for the 2012 Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge are now open, coinciding with the unveiling of a hot new logo for the sporting extravaganza.

The new logoThe new logo was introduced after Momentum announced that it was renewing its sponsorship of the event – the company initially signed a three-year sponsorship deal in June 2009. “The Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge is an exhilarating event for every member of the family and we are proud to be the sponsors of such a successful event,” says the head of brand at Momentum, Danie van den Bergh.

Cyclists are encouraged to get their entries in early to secure their place in the popular race, taking place on 18 November; this can be done online.

“The Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge has established itself as a world-class event and we look forward to recreating that great sense of community felt throughout the event,” says Highveld 94.7’s station manager, Ravi Naidoo.

It is ranked as the second largest annual cycling race of its kind and the biggest mass-participation, timed sporting exercise. It has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1997, when 4 500 cyclists participated. In the space of two years, this number rose by 6 000 riders, with 10 500 taking part in the 1999 race.

Continued success meant that the mountain bike and children’s challenges were instituted as standalones in 2006 and 2009, respectively. Even so, the main challenge continued to prosper to the extent that partial road closures were necessary by 2001.

Road closure
winsThe challenge has grown in leaps and bounds since 1997The race organisers, Harford Sports Promotions, and the host, the City of Johannesburg, collaborated to obtain full road closures and there is now complete road closure on the route. The motto is “Joburg’s safest race”. And there are about 25 000 riders every year.

Another feature that has come to define the race is the Ride for a Purpose campaign, which was introduced in 2010. This campaign encourages signing up for the race with a greater goal in mind: to raise funds, support a cause or remember a loved one. Charities ranging from Choc (Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa) and Afrika Tikkun to MAD (Make a Difference) and Pink Drive are supported through those people “riding for a purpose”.

In addition to riding for a good cause, cyclists participate to prove their mettle on the gruelling 97,4km route, which was given a facelift in 2010 to include the regenerated areas of the inner city. Cyclists now get to ride over the majestic Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein, as well as appreciate the bustling Gandhi Square.

The race starts and ends on the R55 between the Buccleuch Interchange and Waterfall Country Estate in Kyalami, which is the permanent home of the challenge.

For more information on the race and how to enter, visit the Cycle Challenge website or contact the race office on 011 017 2700.