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THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S CYCLE CHALLENGE TAKES PLACE IN

RACE INFORMATION AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS                               

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in partnership with the Northern Cape Cycling (NCC) Federation will host its 4th annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge in Kimberley on Saturday, 9 November 2024 at the Suzuki Stadium. 

This road race will cover 3 distances:

  1. A 5 km (all ages)
  2. A 50 km race for participants aged 13 and older
  3. A 100.8 km race for persons 19 years and older 

This event aims to build social cohesion among key stakeholders across all sectors within our city and beyond. It caters for both family and businesses, advocating healthy living through the promotion of cycling as an activity for all and creating fun and engaging spaces to network and socialise.

Through this event we hope to:

  • Bring people together and have them be part of the greater #MySPU community.
  • Hold a well-organised, professionally run cycle race that is a positive, safe experience for participants who are either cycling enthusiasts or leisure riders.
  • Reach a maximum audience in terms of both, participants and the public to strengthen the ties between the University and its surrounding communities.
  • Create an event and an experience for participants that reflects the values of Sol Plaatje University.
  • Promote awareness of healthy living.

To enter and participate in this event, please review all the information below pertaining to the Race Information and Terms and Conditions.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge will take place in Kimberley on Saturday, 9 November 2024 between 06h30 to 14h00 at the Suzuki Stadium.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge will cover three distances in and around Kimberley. 

Please find the route maps which you can add to the mapping:

  • Click here for the 50 km distance route map.
  • Click here for the 100 km distance route map.

Physical Address: Suzuki Stadium, 20 Jacobus Smit Avenue, New Park, Kimberley

GPS Coordinates: 28.750282237559308, 24.757784356454074

Google Maps: bit.ly/3tyjinG

2.1 Entries for the 5 km fun ride are open. All ages welcome.

2.2 Parents/Legal Guardians must ensure that indemnity forms are completed when entering minors into the race. 
2.3    All participants must complete the indemnity form and submit at the race pack collection prior to the race or submit these via email to [email protected]
2.4     Entries will open on 11 October 2024 and close on 04 November 2024 07 November 2024.
2.5    Entries are only confirmed once full payment of the entry fee is received.
2.6   Should the payment for an entry not be received by the closing date, the entry will be removed from the system.
2.8  The amount/fee payable for all solo/individual entries is detailed below and is inclusive of a compulsory day license fee of R50.00

  • 5 km –  R150.00
  • 50 km – R300.00
  • 100.8 km – R350.00

2.9  Each entrant will receive a participation medal.

Cash Prizes worth over R25 000.00 for podium finishers and category winners  (see below):

Podium Finishers
100.8km50km5km

1st  Place (M/F) – R4000

2nd Place (M/F) – R2000

3rd Place (M/F) – R1000

1st Place (M/F) – R1500

2nd Place (M/F) – R500

3rd Place (M/F) – R250

Spot Prizes
Category Winners
100.8km50km5km
No prize money

e-Bike 

1st Place – R1000

2nd  Place – R700

3rd Place – R500

MTB 

1st Place – R1000

2nd  Place – R700

3rd Place – R500

Road 

1st Place – R1000

2nd  Place – R700

3rd Place – R500

 

No cash prize for the 5 km race.

4.1 All Cyclists must report in person to:

4.1.1 Collect their race number and entry packs,
4.1.2 Submit their completed and signed indemnity form.

DATE:      Friday, 08 November 2024
TIME:      17h00 to 19h30
PLACE:    SPU South Campus,  150 Reservoir Road, New Park.

4.2 If a Cyclist fails to register, they will not be allowed to participate in the         race without the race number.

5.1       Late registration is only for the convenience of cyclists who are not staying in Kimberley. These Cyclists should report in person to:

5.1.1 Register;
5.1.2 Collect their race number and entry packs,
5.1.3 Submit their completed and signed indemnity form.

DATE:        Saturday, 09 November 2024
TIME:         06h00 to 06h30
PLACE:      Suzuki Stadium

5.2       No entries or substitutions will be allowed.
5.3       If a cyclist fails to register during the stipulated times, they will not be allowed to participate in the race. 

DATE:      Saturday, 9 November 2024
TIME:      Cyclists should arrive by 06h30 for a 07h00 start
PLACE:    Suzuki Stadium 

Different start zones may be allocated, and the Event Organisers may allocate different (staggered) start times for each starting zone. Cyclists must arrive on time as the starting zone will be closed off 10 minutes before the start.

The race will be officially timed by the Northern Cape Cycling (NCC) Federation.

No Substitutions will be allowed.

There will be sufficient hydration points along the route where cyclists can access refreshments and small snacks.

Please note: Snacks are subject to availability, depending on prior consumption by other cyclists. However, there will be enough water and energy drinks at all points. It’s highly recommended that you bring your preferred snacks and liquids with you on the day.

10.1 Cyclists are encouraged to carry the following:

  • Energy bars/food for your ride duration
  • At least two water bottles with your drink of choice
  • Fully charged cellphone
  • Necessary medication
  • Allergy indication (e.g., bracelet)
  • Basic tools for puncture repairs

10.2 Ensure your bicycle is in safe working condition and you are responsible for its maintenance during the race.

10.3 Spectator areas will be demarcated at the start and finish.

10.4 Emergency medical care will be available.

10.5 Cyclists must display good sportsmanship:

  • No offensive language
  • Be supportive
  • Respect officials and fellow cyclists

10.6 For enquiries, contact [email protected].

11.1 Cyclists will not be allowed to participate in the race without wearing a SABS approved helmet.

11.2 Should any Cyclist withdraw from the Race, or not be able to participate in or complete the Race for whatsoever reason. The Event Organiser will not refund the entry fee or any part of it.

11.3 Cyclists must display their race numbers on the front handlebar of their bicycles at all times, and must remain firmly fixed for the duration of the race. Cyclists must ensure that it is not obscured by cables or any other items.

11.4 Cyclists may not modify or mutilate in any way the race numbers, and may also not allow anyone else to use the number allocated to them. If you do so, the participant will forfeit all rights to any prizes and will not be eligible to participate in future SPU Races. The race number is the organisers link to all relevant contact details and information should you be involved in an accident. It is therefore vital that the information and person is matched correctly.

11.5 Race numbers remain the property of the Event Organiser. The Event Organiser will collect the race numbers at the finishing point. Should a Cyclist not reach the finishing point for whatsoever reason, the Cyclist should return the race number to the Event Organiser.

11.6 Prize money will be subject to the discretion of the Event Organisers. Please take note that winning the race (in any category), together with the second and third places are subject to adhering to all the rules, terms and conditions of the Race.  The final decision lies with the Event Organisers, and it remains the prerogative of the Event Organisers to disqualify any Cyclist who have not adhered to these rules, terms and conditions or who have gained an unfair advantage over the other Cyclists in any way whatsoever. Cyclists must display their race numbers on the back of their bibs or vests at all times. It must not be obscured by any item/ garment.

11.7 Podium finishers and overall category winners must be present at the prize giving ceremony. The decision by the Event Organisers regarding podium finishers and/or overall category winners are final.

11.8 If the Event Organisers receive advice from any medical practitioner regarding the health of any Cyclist, the decision to allow the Cyclist to continue / participate in the Race (or not), will be at the discretion of the Event Organiser and will be final.

11.9 Electronic bicycles (e-bikes) will be allowed and will be eligible for a prize within their respective category only.

11.10 There may be partial road closures. Where the road is not closed for use by the general public, Cyclists should remain to be vigilant and adhere to the normal safety rules associated with cycling.  All general traffic regulations must be adhered to at all times during the race.  South African regulations require everyone to drive/ride on the left-hand side of the road.

11.11 No support drivers will be allowed.

11.12 Any Cyclist who cannot finish the race for whatsoever reason must as soon as possible inform the Event Organisers. Should any Cyclist fail to inform the race office of his/her withdrawal and should a search and rescue operation be initiated for such Cyclist, the cost of the search and rescue will be for the account of that Cyclist.

11.13 Each Cyclist is responsible for his/her own personal medication as prescribed by his/her physician. Please consult the Event Organisers if in doubt about the legality thereof.

11.14 Each Cyclist need to submit a completed and duly signed indemnity at/during registration before the commencement of the Race, failing which the Cyclist will not be allowed to participate in the Race. A copy of this form is also available here