Joburg gets ready for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge
12-11-2014
It’s all systems go for another memorable Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday.
The City of Johannesburg, in partnership with Momentum and 94.7 Highveld Stereo, will welcome more than 32 000 cyclists to the city’s streets for the 18th edition of one of the biggest and toughest cycle races in the country.
With a new home – the Riversands Commercial Park in Fourways – and slight route tweaks, the challenge, which is watched by thousands of spectators every year, is once again expected to live up to its reputation as Johannesburg’s toughest cycling race.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar says a “huge contingent of officers” will be on duty on Sunday to ensure the safety of cyclists, spectators and other members of the public.
“Traffic diversions will be in place along Jan Smuts Avenue, the M1 freeway and along the R511. Where there are gaps along the route, officers will be on hand to allow cars to safely cross. We call on all motorists to comply with officers’ instructions. Motorists travelling into Sandton are advised to use William Nicol and Rivonia roads on the day,” says Minnaar.
Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesman Robert Mulaudzi appealed to cyclists to look after themselves and one another.
“Your safety and well-being, while our priority, is a collective responsibility.”
Mulaudzi says EMS personnel, including firefighters, will be on standby for any emergencies.
Members of the EMS’s public information and education relations department will also be on hand in the events section at Riversands to provide critical safety information to cyclists.
“We will be conducting various demonstrations and provide valuable advice and information to cyclists on aspects such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and fire safety, tools they may need in an emergency,” adds Mulaudzi.
The City of Johannesburg is proud to be a partner in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge. The race speaks to the City’s Healthy Lifestyle Programme, an initiative spearheaded by Johannesburg Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau, encouraging residents to engage in physical activity such as running, walking and cycling to improve their health and increase the city’s life expectancy.
The Cycle Challenge Week is a cycling calendar highlight comprising the main cycle race, mountain bike race and kiddies’ race.
Last weekend, Neil Robinson and Sylvia van Tromp won the men’s and women’s categories of the 55km mountain bike races respectively. Jacques Lloyd and Kristin Louw won the 30km men’s and women’s races respectively.