Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:52
Giro del Capo lives on
After the news hit the headlines two weeks ago about the cancellation of the Giro del Capo due to budget restraints, all cyclists and cycling enthusiasts were very disappointed as this was one of the major cycling tours on the SA Cycling calendar.
Le Coq Sportif, one of the world's leading manufacturers in casual and sports wear decided to rescue the situation and partnered with the Tour de Boland organisers to host a tour of the same caliber as the Giro del Capo. It will be held on the same date and routes to make sure the top South African cyclists as well as international teams that will be in the country to compete in the Tour of South Africa has something to look forward to preceding the Cycle Tour.
Le coq sportif is the French brand that has been servicing the emotions of the sporting people since 1882. In 1939 le coq sportif created the first knitted tracksuit and in the same decade the first polo was introduced which had a dual function; protection and comfort. Le Coq Sportif has been an active player in sport with its roots firmly established in cycling such as Tour de France.
Le coq sportif has returned to Europe in 2005 with an alternative and unique approach based on history, elegance, passion, sincerity and distinctiveness. Le coq sportif South Africa followed soon in 2008 after the successful reintroduction in Europe.
Le coq sportif International has partnered with L’Eurica cycling race which took place on 3 October in Gaiole, Tuscany. A passion for cycling has given the French brand its greatest moments from its origins to the present day, whether in physical exertion or relaxation and encompassing both champions and amateurs.
Mr.Neil Schalkwyk,CEO of Le Coq Sportif said “We welcome the opportunity to get involved in Tour de Boland and trust that this partnership will have a positive contribution to cycling in South Africa.”
The Le Coq Sportif Tour de Boland will consist of five stages which will include a short sprint race of 45km on the first day, three road stages of 120 to 150km and a hillclimb or criterium that will take place during Cycle Tour week, from 8 to 12 March 2011.
One of the major objectives of this tour will be the development of cycling in South Africa. There will be a development team from the Cape region competing as the Le Coq Sportif team as well as the South African Cyclelab Academy Team captained by Nic White will be supported by Le Coq Sportif to compete in the race.
The reason why we chose to get involved in the Tour De Boland is because for more than a hundred years this region has always been synonymous with cycling. Paarl was one of the country’s few hotspots in cycling where people of all creed, race and denomination participated in organised cycling events. Cycling has always been a non-motorised method of transportation and has empowered many individuals in some degree of prosperity and/or occupation”.
The 2011 edition of the Le Coq Sportif Tour De Boland should see the strongest contingent of assembled riders since it is now formally on the same level as the top one-day races in the country and comes at an opportune time on the calendar. As a national level tour it will host all the top club teams in South Africa, UCI Teams as well as teams from overseas.
As a unique introduction in 2011, The Le Coq Sportif Tour de Boland will also include a second race that will cater for the top veteran and women riders in South Africa as well as the Junior category.
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