Gear up for annual road cycling challenge in Paarl

The annual Bouckaert-Soenen Road Cycling Challenge on Sunday February 4 will bring thousands of cyclists to Paarl.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Paarl, is held under the auspices of the Pedal Power Association (PPA) and starts at De Poort heritage centre in Pine Street.

There are three races around Paarl Mountain, measuring 123km, 72km and 46km. The longer 123km route is suitable for league and more experienced riders and will be a seeding race for the Cape Town Cycle Challenge 2019.

It is a fun-ride event, aimed at the whole family and will have plenty of entertainment, food and drinks available at the finish venue at De Poort. No under 16s may ride the 123km route, no under 14s may ride the 72km route, and under 12s must be accompanied by an adult on the 46km route. Entry fees vary from R210 to R260.

The cut-off date for online pre-entries is 9am on Friday February 2 at www.paarlrotary.co.za or www.pedalpower.org.za

Pre-registration can be done on Saturday February 3, at ASG Cycling, Laborie Centre, Paarl or Chris Willemse Cycles, Willow Bridge, between 10am and 3pm.

PPA members must have their seeded number at pre-registration.

Entries on the day of the races will be accepted at R350 but will be limited to 2 500 participants. PPA members must wear their PPA numbers to avoid extra fees.

The event is partially sponsored by local textile and clothing company Bouckaert-Soenen, and all proceeds from the races will be channelled through Paarl Rotary towards early childhood development projects. For more information, contact Dave Moss on 082 575 4063.