\u201cNothing\u2019s going to go wrong after that that you can\u2019t repair, but at least you have two or three weeks to sort out any lingering problems that may not have been apparent during the service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mountain bike events on the Saturday are hosted by the Addo Polo Club while Sunday\u2019s road races (excluding the family and children\u2019s events) depart from Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth.<\/p>\n
With 35 years\u2019 experience in the industry, Rudman and his team of bike mechanics will be providing back-up for both disciplines. \u201cIt\u2019s a free service, but riders will have to pay for parts if required.\u201d<\/p>\n
His team will \u201csweep\u201d the course in the road events \u2013 from the 21km Powerade Leisure Ride to the 105km Classic \u2013 and 30km Powerade Leisure Challenge off-road race.<\/p>\n
Under Cycling South Africa regulations, mechanical assistance to mountain bikers in the longer 80km Extreme and 60km Adventure is forbidden.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the fun rider that we aim to help. Riders in the longer disciplines may only receive assistance from fellow competitors,\u201d said Rudman.<\/p>\n
Having ridden the road race 15 times and also the mountain bike event, he understands the various pitfalls.<\/p>\n
\u201cChains come off or break and riders often get multiple punctures and are then stranded. We help to get them back on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riders can also seek assistance from Cyclo Pro\/GT\u2019s innovative events trailer \u00adon race day. This mobile workshop, which comes with a rooftop commentary booth, will be a fixture at both venues.<\/p>\n
GT regional manager Stephen Craddock said this would be the trailer\u2019s first outing at a national classic. \u201cOur aim is to provide a public support unit that offers free, neutral service to all participants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rudman added that the on-site shops would offer everything from spare tyres and tubes to shoes, gloves, helmets and energy products. The main shop will be at the expo in The Boardwalk<\/a> Race Village at Hobie Beach, with a satellite outlet at Addo.<\/p>\n Cyclo Pro\/GT has also sponsored a road and mountain bike worth a total of R40 000. These will be given away at the lucky draw that follows the feature race on the Sunday.<\/p>\n The grand prize will be another set of wheels in the form of a four-door Polo Vivo 1.4 from title sponsor Volkswagen Group<\/a> SA.<\/p>\n Visit www.heraldcycletour.co.za<\/a> or follow the race on Twitter (In_the_Bunch) or www.facebook.com\/TheHeraldCycleTour.<\/p>\n Book your Addo accommodation at the scenic Zuurberg Inn<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"Stephen](\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/plugins\/rss-poster\/cache\/03544_Stephen_Craddock_and_Rob_Rudman.jpg\")
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