Concerned cyclists will be doing their bit for cancer awareness when they sign up for the Lost City Cycle 4 Cansa weekend, presented by Bestmed, on Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 August.
More than 3000 roadies and around a thousand mountain bikers are expected to turn out for the 17th edition of the North West province event.
According to Bestmed corporate communications manager Sasja la Grange, the event has raised R3.75-million for the regional branch of the Cancer Association of South Africa over the years and continues to play an important role in the organisation’s fundraising efforts.
“As with all the events in our Bestmed National Cycling Series, a portion of the entry fees will be donated to Cansa and we’ll be offering free sunscreen to all participants as part of our skin cancer awareness drive."
La Grange says the medical scheme had initially come on board with the mountain bike race two years ago and quickly extended its support to include the road event.
“For us, it’s important to support events that focus on preventative healthcare and encourage the whole family to adopt an active, healthy lifestyle,” he says.
On the Saturday, 15 August, the country’s top pro teams and amateurs will vie for their share of the R50 000 prize purse in the 115km Powerade Lost City road race.
Aside from the challenging feature race, which is an official Premier Seeding Event for the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour, there will also be a 66km course and 12km family ride as well as a 1km toddlers’ race.
The off-road events follow on the Sunday, 16 August with the 55km Bestmed Lost City mountain bike race leading the charge.
Those looking for an easier alternative will be able to do a 25km single lap of the course, while children are catered for in the 1km distance. Prize money to the value of R12 000 will be on offer across all categories.
In addition, race organiser Johan du Toit says participants who purchase a Cansa sticker stand a chance to win spot prizes valued at R30 000.
Du Toit says the weekend promised to be a real family affair with many activities for the kids. “We’ll also have music and entertainment and there’ll be lots to eat and drink, with some of the top cycling brands on display in our exhibition area.”
All participants and their families will enjoy free access to Sun City, provided they arrive before 6:30. Cyclists will be granted free entrance to the Valley of the Waves on presentation of their race number.
Du Toit says entries will be capped at 4000 to prevent overcrowding on the routes and ensure rider safety.
For more information and to enter, visit www.cansalostcity.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.