The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour is on track for its 31st year, and the organisers have confirmed that three of the races will be seeding events for the 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

One of the two biggest sporting events of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival (29 June – 8 July), the Knysna Cycle Tour will take place on 30 June and 1 July, the first weekend of the popular annual festival. The tour comprises MTB Events, Road Races, the SPUR Children’s Tour, and the Forest Family Dam Ride.

The 80 km and 50 km MTB events and the 115 Road Race have been announced as seeding events for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Race Director Elwin Thompson said that this was a very exciting development for the Knysna Cycle Tour. “There has been a big demand for us to provide seeding events as this ensures that riders wanting to do the Cape Town Cycle Tour are able to start the race with others of similar ability and fitness. This helps reduce bottlenecks and the need to overtake slower riders on the route, which means it’s safer for all riders.

“There is no doubt that this is a big drawcard for our event and will attract an increased number of cyclists to Knysna this year,” said Thompson.

The MTB event on 30 June is one of the biggest in southern Africa and includes outstanding cycling routes through the Knysna forest. Traditionally the event consisted of four different MTB routes for varying technical abilities - 80 km, 50 km, 30 km and 15 km. Last year, the organising committee changed the 15 km route to an easier, fun ride for all ages, and introduced a 30 km e-bike route. Set up and managed by Leon Evans, known as Dr Evil, the MTB routes test the skills of competitors to the maximum.

“This year, following the fires of June last year, we will be looking to change the 50 km route slightly to divert cyclists from some of the badly burned pine forest where all the trees have now been cut down and the landscape has changed completely. We want to make our MTB routes as scenic as possible to maintain our reputation as a bucket list event.”

The challenging 115 km road race on Sunday 1 July, which is also a seeding event, will follow the now-familiar route from Knysna to Sedgefield and Kleinkranz, then back to Knysna via Sedgefield and Karatara. Says Thompson: “It was designed for enthusiastic, competitive roadies and always delivers!”

The 50 km road race route is from Knysna to Sedgefield and back along the N2.

The SPUR Rotary Knysna Children's Cycle Tour on Sunday 1 July is a fun, safe event for children aged 2 to 10. There are three events for different age groups, all starting and finishing at the Knysna Oyster Festival venue.

The popular Forest Family Dam Ride on Sunday 1 July consists of two events: a 20 km and a 30 km ride. Both rides are scenic MTB routes through the Knysna forest and past some of the town’s dams. The 30 km event is for more experienced riders, while the 20 km ride is for MTB riders of all ages and competency, including children aged 12 years and older. They are guided fun rides and will not be timed.

Says Thompson: “Online entries are now open and we are looking forward to a great event this year.

For more details and to enter, go to www.knysnacycle.co.za.

Follow the Knysna Cycle Tour on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates about all the events.

EVENT ENQUIRIES

Megan or Linda | Cell: 079 796 7834 | Tel: 044 382 1129 (mornings only) | Email: enquiries@knysnacycle.co.za

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Jeannine Orzechowski | Cell: 082 881 9468| Tel: 044 388 4793 | Email: jeannine@saol.com