The Vice-Chancellor’s (VC’s) Cycle Challenge will take place in Kimberley, starting at Suzuki Stadium on Saturday, 8 November 2025, between 06h30 to 13h00 with 3 distances per your selective choice.

To navigate your way to the starting line, please see venue details below:

• Physical Address: Suzuki Stadium, 20 Jacobus Smit Avenue, New Park, Kimberley
• GPS Coordinates: 750282237559308, 24.757784356454074
• Google Maps: ly/3tyjinG

To prepare your race plan, kindly access the various route cue sheets below:

• 25 km route
• 50 km route
• 100 km route

2.1 Entries for each distance is in accordance to the age limit restrictions as set out by Cycling South Africa (CSA). Kindly note that for the VC’s Cycle Challenge participants must be in the following age groups:

• 25km (10 years and older)
• 50km (13 years and older)
• 100km (18 years and older)

2.2 All participants must sign an indemnity form prior to the race and more especially, Parents/Legal Guardians must ensure that indemnity forms are completed for minors entering into the race at the race pack collections. Alternatively, these can be sent per email to events@spu.ac.za

2.3   Entries will open on 3 October 2025 and close on 5 November 2025 at 18h00.

2.4 Entries are only confirmed once full payment of the entry fee is received. Should the payment for an entry not be received by the closing date, the entry will be removed from the system. All fees are non-refundable and is inclusive of a compulsory day license fee. Payment must be made into SPU’s Bank Account (see details below):

Account Name: Sol Plaatje University
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account No.: 62432518978
Bank Name: FNB
Branch Code: 2301023
Reference: cycle25_namesurname/company name

Proof of payment must be sent to events@spu.ac.za with your name and surname in the subject line.

2.5   Each entrant will receive a medal of participation on completion of the race.

All Cyclists must report in person for the Race Pack Collection to collect their race number and submit their completed and signed indemnity form to complete their registration. Failure to do so, will result in the cyclist not permitted to compete in the race.

Race Pack Collections will take place as follows:

Date:      Friday, 7 November 2025
Time:      16h00 to 19h00
Place:    SPU South Campus, 150 Reservoir Road, New Park (Kimberley)

5.1      Late registration is only for the convenience of cyclists who are not staying in Kimberley and with whom prior arrangements have been made via email at events@spu.ac.za.

5.2 These Cyclists should report in person to:

5.2.1 Register;
5.2.2 Collect their race number and entry packs,
5.2.3 Submit their completed and signed indemnity form.

Date:        Saturday, 9 November 2024
Time:       06h00 to 06h30
Place:      Suzuki Stadium

Important to Note:

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

Date:      Saturday, 8 November 2025
Time:      06h30 for 07h00  (no late arrivals)
Place:   Suzuki Stadium; 20 Jacobus Smit Avenue, Kimberley

Note: 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.

No Substitutions will be allowed.

Hydration points will be available along the route, stocked with water, energy drinks and light snacks.

Note: Snacks are limited, so we suggest bringing your own preferred fuel. Water and energy drinks will be in steady supply at every stop.

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 events@spu.ac.za.

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.