6 March 2007

Slovakia's Peter Velits will be defending the Giro del Capo title in the scenic Western Cape, with the event running from Tuesday through Monday and the final stage comprising the world's largest individually timed cycle race, the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour.

It all starts with a 5.5-kilometre prologue at 6pm on Tuesday. Velits can expect a strong challenge, especially from the South African-sponsored Team Barloworld, for the overall honours.

The impressive Barloworld line-up includes former former Tour de Langkawi winner Ryan Cox, backed up by Fabrizio Guidi, Hugo Sabido, Alexander Efimkin, Felix Cardenas, Rodney Green and Robert Hunter.

10 years
Hunter, who has won the South African road cyclist of the year award on a number of occasions, previously plied his trade in Europe with tops team including Phonak and Rabobank. Because of his commitments in Europe it has been 10 years since he contested the Giro del Capo and he is looking forward to the opportunity to contest the picturesque race.

"This race is very important to our sponsor, Barloworld, as their head office is based in South Africa and they are a proud South African company," said Hunter on his team's official website.

"Barloworld is, obviously, very proud of us and we want to repay their trust in us by making their employees and stakeholders similarly proud. We are very aware of our responsibilities in that regard and, believe me, our South African fans will see some sparks around the Cape this coming week."

Barloworld victories
Before Peter Velits claimed victory for Konica-Minolta in 2006, Barloworld registered three victories in succession, with Tiaan Kannemeyer winning in 2005, and David George taking two in a row for Barloworld in 2003 and 2004, as well as a win for Astrolabe/Omega in 2002.

Kannemeyer has since moved to Team Konica-Minolta, while George will be riding for the CSC Marcello outfit. Should he win this year, he would equal the record of four victories in the race, held by Andrew McLean.

George, who is the current South African time trial champion, believes Barloworld, the German team Wiesenhof, who have signed last year's champion Velits, and MTN Microsoft to be the teams to watch.

Wiesenhof finished third in the team competition last year and Steffen Radochla claimed the Cape Argus Pick 'Pay Cycle Tour title on the final day for it.

MTN Microsoft is an all-South African outfit. It includes the 2000 winner of the race, Nicholas White, as well as sprinter Malcolm Lange who has over 300 career victories to his credit. They're joined by a powerful quartet made up of Daryl Impey, Neil MacDonald, Daniel Spence (second in 2002), and Jamie Ball.

The 2007 race
The 2007 edition of the race will be held over six days, whereas it previously took place over five days. The size of teams has also been increased from five to six riders.

Event director Carinus Lemmer, commenting on the route which includes a number of loops, explained that the reason for this was to involve spectators as much as possible.

The final two days, not surprisingly remain unchanged. On Saturday the tough Signal Hill time trial takes place, followed by the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour on Sunday.

STAGES

	South African cyclist Robert Hunter

	Africa's untamed MTB race Cycle Challenge: 10 out of 10 Barloworld signs Robert Hunter Foreign victors in Argus, Giro 2006 Cape wind bites in Argus 2005 Mountain biking in South Africa Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour

	Giro del Capo 2007  Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour  Cyclingnews.co.za

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