Following its successful launch last year, the Cyclo Pro/GT mobile repair unit will once again provide neutral technical support at The Herald VW Cycle Tour on February 2 and 3.
According to GT regional manager Stephen Craddock, the service had proved to be extremely popular among participants at both the mountain bike and road events in Addo and Port Elizabeth respectively.
“It was unbelievable – the response was amazing. Hopefully people w:ill be just as impressed this time round as they were last year.”
Craddock said the unit, which will be situated at the start/finish area at each event, was fully equipped as a mobile workshop.
“We’ll be able to sort out most problems on any bike that comes to us.”
In addition, tour co-founder Rob Rudman’s mobile mechanics will provide back-up and do basic repairs en route.
Rudman, who owns Cyclo Pro, said Cycling South Africa rules prevented them from offering assistance on the 80km Extreme and 60km Adventure mountain bike routes but that the roaming mechanics would be able to assist fun riders in the 30km Powerade Leisure Challenge on the Saturday.
“Addo is full of thorns, so you must make sure that you have sealant in your tyres. If you go without, you will get stuck.”
He said repair vehicles would also be out on the road for the 106km Classic and 55km Pursuit events in Port Elizabeth on the Sunday.
“It’s a free service but if some major parts are required, the rider will have to purchase these.”
Rudman advised participants to have their bicycles serviced at least two weeks prior to the event as cycle shops tended to get busy in the run-up to the race.
Aside from the mechanical support, he said Cyclo Pro would host a stall at the expo on the Friday for any last-minute equipment and accessory purchases.
The expo will take place at the new registration venue on the exhibition level of The Boardwalk Convention Centre opposite Hobie Beach. This will also be the site of the prize-giving at 1pm on the Sunday.
Among the lucky draw prizes on offer to participants will be a GT Zaskar LE Expert 9R mountain bike and GTR Carbon Elite road bike worth a total of R40 000, including a free set-up and service from Cyclo Pro.
Enter online before January 21 at www.heraldcycletour.co.za.
For regular updates, follow @heraldcycletour or like the race on Facebook.
