South Africa\u2019s second oldest national classic, which takes place in Port Elizabeth on February 3, is an official premier seeding event of the Cycle Tour.<\/p>\n
As such, race director Tony Cooney said they would bypass the short but challenging 1km Slanghoogte climb to bring the course in line with similar seeding events across the country.<\/p>\n
Cooney said although the climb was regularly ridden by social cyclists in training, one corner had a gradient of 17.1 per cent, which was higher than the benchmark of 14 per cent set by the notorious Suikerbossie climb in the Western Cape event.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough this ascent would have added a new dimension to the racing upfront, the event is also about the less competitive rider.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chief executive officer David Bellairs echoed his sentiments, saying that the trust was concerned about balancing the needs of the recreational cyclist with those of the more experienced professionals.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is about the promotion of mass participation cycling and, as such, seeks to partner with events of a similar mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cooney said the change would still see riders proceed along the old Seaview Road and through the coastal hamlet.<\/p>\n
\u201cClimbing out of Seaview, they will now continue on the main road to Colleen Glen instead of turning onto the secondary road, which effectively cuts out the 1km Slanghoogte climb.\u201d<\/p>\n
Entries for the event close on Monday. Late entries will be accepted at registration on Friday, February 1, subject to a 50% penalty fee.<\/p>\n
\nPort Elizabeth Accommodation<\/a> | Addo Accommodation<\/a> | Zuurberg Accommodation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
![\"Slanghoogte](\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/plugins\/rss-poster\/cache\/0e8e9_Slanghoogte.jpg\")
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