The 2009 Itec North Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular brings with it a new sponsor as well as great news for cyclists who are looking to improve their starting times in next year's Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour.
The Dome2Dome, which takes place on 13 September, now boasts 91km and 40km route options. The 91km route replaces the former 116km ride. The organisers, Perx Sports, applied to the Alpha Pharm Seeding Series for a reduced distance and, given the tough route, they received the go-ahead to do a 91km.
This makes the Dome2Dome the shortest Argus qualifier, but certainly not the easiest. The new route takes in 4 big climbs on the outskirts of the West Rand and it remains a tough test for any cyclist.
With the distance reduction, it does, however, bring it into line with most 100km events that act as seeding races for the Cycle Tour whereas the 116km route proved one hurdle too far too early in the season for most riders.
"We had a lot of riders who found themselves in no-mans land with the event. They felt that the 80km was too short and the 116km too long and difficult," said race organiser Leandro le Roux from Perx Sports.
"With the new route and the subsequent leniency from the Cycle Tour trust to still afford us qualifying status with the 91km event, we now cater for what the bulk of Gauteng cyclists are looking for at that time of the year. The Dome2Dome now affords Gauteng riders the opportunity of really getting their seeding effort going early."
The Dome2Dome welcomes as a passionate sponsor Itec North who take over from PowerAde. Besides taking over the title sponsorship of the Dome2Dome, Itec North have also come on board as presenting sponsor of the Silverstar Mountain-bike Classic, which takes place on 12 September, one day prior to the Dome2Dome road race.
Itec North are keen supporters of cycling in South Africa, and their involvement with the events is a natural extension of their passion for the sport.
"Itec North has been looking for the right cycling sponsorship opportunity for some time now. We were delighted when we secured the sponsorship rights to the Dome2Dome races," said Gavin Meyer, managing director: Itec North.
"This is a unique opportunity for Itec North to sponsor one of the top road races in the country, being both a 94.7 and Argus seeding event, as well as sponsoring a well regarded mountain bike event, all on the same weekend."
The Silverstar Mountain-bike Classic also features a stunning new route through the West Rand. Last year riders wanting to do the 40km had to do three loops on top of the Hillsnacks Mountain, but this year the 40km is one loop on its own and the route is one of the most picturesque that you'll find anywhere in South Africa.
Yes, in the concrete jungle there is still a place to ride your bike where you can truly feel part of nature and be spoiled with unsurpassed views.
After a 2.5km tar climb, the off-road stuff starts off tough and technical with lots of variety, strong challenges as well as long sections of rocky jeep track. Be warned that there are ample short, but nasty climbs on this section.
The event has the use of the entire protected area on top of the Hillsnacks Mountain and this year the route also takes the event onto the other side of the R28 via a culvert. This means there's enough terrain at the disposal of race organiser, Wynand de Villiers, for the 40km event to be a one lapper.
Once riders are done on the technical stuff at the top of Hillsnacks Mountain, the route goes onto the other side of the R28 through Chancliff, past the biggest house on the entire West Rand (don't worry, you'll know very well when you see it) and becomes gradually easier to negotiate on the old historical ox wagon trails which the early settlers used.
Once you're past all the flower farms, an exhilarating decent down to Hendrik Potgieter Road awaits. It's absolutely awesome on jeep track with sections of single track thrown in - and it's very quick.
Once you're at the bottom the event snakes its way back midway up the mountain - all the way back to Pinehaven Country Estate, which is across the road from Silverstar Casino.
The last section of single track before you get to the estate is tough, but ride-able.
A fast tar decent awaits through the estate before you cross over Hendrik Potgieter Road and head down to Muldersdrift. A culvert takes riders underneath the Krugersdorp Highway and down to Muldersdrift.
After the famous Drift Inn, a short climb awaits and then it's fast riding all the way to Farm City and then the route ducks underneath Hendrik Potgieter again, en route to Featherbrooke Estate, before veering right and back to Silver Star.
With both the Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular and the Silverstar Casino MTB Classic ever evolving to try and serve the interests of the cycling community, the weekend of 12 and 13 September will certainly again be a highlight on the South African cycling calendar.