Sport

Experience Soweto's vibe by bicycle

31 July 2009

Residents and tourists alike are invited to enter the Vodacom Tour de Soweto, a unique cycling event that allows people of all ages to experience the vibe of South Africa's colourful, historic township up close.

The event takes place on Sunday 16 August, starting and ending at Mofolo Park in Soweto. Entries will be taken at Primi Bazala in Maponya Mall from 6am on the day.

Once having entered, participants can take a two-kilometre warm-up ride to the starting line at Mofolo Park in Mcube Drive (Dube) at the corner of Mzilakazi Drive, opposite the community centre.

There'll be a 80km race, a 40km fun ride and a 19km Dikwiel race, with entries costing R100, R50 and R10 respectively. Those entering the Dikwiel race can decorate their bikes and also enter a decorated Dikwiel bike competition. Online entries close on 5 August.

Historical landmarks

The twisting and turning route through the suburbs will pass various historical land marks in Soweto like the Orlando Stadium, Nancefield and Meadowlands Migrant Worker Hostels, and Orlando West – formerly home to Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

There'll also be the unique vibe of hawkers, street side churches, car washes, garages and the occasional shebeen.

"The Vodacom Tour de Soweto brings an exciting European style race through the streets of Soweto," organisers said in a statement this week.

Live entertainment

Another unique factor about this event is the live entertainment on route such as Gumboot, Pantsula and Zulu dancing. This, together with the excitement of local residents cheering cyclists on as they ride through the township gives the race its own unique vibe and provides participants with an entertaining and unforgettable cultural experience.

"There'll be R75 000 in cash prizes to be won," the organisers said. "Prize-giving will take place at Mofolo Park, starting at 11am and there'll be live entertainment at the prize-giving by local township artists and DJs."

The race, in its third year of running, has to date received entries from across Gauteng and its surrounds, and will be presented by Minanawe in association with the Lethabo Cycling Club.

For more information, contact Billy Chaka on 082 904 0823 or GG Alcock on 011 704 6257 or visit the race website.

SAinfo reporter