Entries open for the South Coast’s scenic Hypersure Toti 69er Cycle Race

One of the most exciting cycle races on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the Hypersure Toti 69er Cycle Race, will return to Hutchison Park, Amanzimtoti on Sunday 10 July starting at 6.30am.

First hosted by the Amanzimtoti Cycle Club in 2002, the event has become a calendar favourite with the KwaZulu-Natal cycling community, attracting top racers to the annual event.

“The race is set in one of the most scenic areas which experiences a fantastic winter climate, giving it ‘The Warmest Race in South Africa in July’ title,” said Shaun Heinze of Amanzimtoti Cycle Club. “Typical balmy South Coast winter weather brings temperatures of between 15 and 25 degrees, much warmer than any other mid-year race. The race route is pleasant, following the coastline for the majority of the way and, in favourable conditions, riders will experience the cooling effects of sea spray or catch a glimpse of marine life.”

He said that, in addition to this, the Amanzimtoti Cycle Club has built up an enviable reputation of rider safety.

“Ensuring that every rider has a safe, successful ride is priority which is why the majority of safety marshalls positioned on the route are Amanzimtoti Cycle Club members, cyclists who know and understand the potential dangers inherent in a cycle race such as this.”

Title sponsors, Hypersure Insurance Brokers – who have been based in Amanzimtoti for more than 30 years – have teamed up with the Amanzimtoti Cycle Club for several years in the form of the Toti 69er.

“We are a community-orientated business and aim to give back to the community through local sports, clubs, businesses and events such as the Toti 69er wherever possible,” said Kenneth Brown of Hypersure Insurance Brokers.

As well as being the main sponsors, Hypersure provides a water table for the race with supportive helpers and a number of staff members always participate.

“It is one of many major events on our calendar so we put a lot of time and effort into the organisation, striving to make it a better event each and every year,” said Brown. “We are very proud of our town which is reflected by our presence at the Toti 69er.”

Monique Botha of Sapphire Coast Tourism said they were excited to partner with this hugely beneficial local event.

“We are looking forward to what is sure to be an eventful race and expect to see it grow even bigger over the next few years,” said Botha. “This is a great opportunity to welcome cyclists to our beautiful coastal town of Amanzimtoti and we invite all community members and local businesses to come out and support the cyclists on the day.”

The race, which is highly regarded by competitive riders, caters for recreational cyclists as well. There are four levels for cyclists to choose from when entering;

The Full Monty (94 kilometres): This event caters for professional cycling teams, elite cyclists and anyone brave enough to take on the challenge. The route takes cyclists from Amanzimtoti, South along the R102 to Selborne Country Club, returning to the finish at Hutchison Park along the same route. There is prize money for various age groups.

The 69er (69 kilometres): This intermediate ‘fun ride’ caters for the younger ‘pro’ cyclists as well as the braver fun riders. The route is similar to the Full Monty, with riders turning around at Park Rynie and returning to the finish at Hutchison Park. There are prize vouchers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall as well as for U16 boys and girls.

The Quickie (19 kilometres): This race if for the young athletes – U10, U12, U14 – as well as ‘fun’ riders of all ages. This is also the ideal distance for a corporate challenge between local companies who can enter teams to race against business partners or competitors, or use this as a unique team-building exercise. It is also suitable for a school challenge for younger athletes. There are prize vouchers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall as well as for U14 boys and girls.

Toddlers Trot (1 kilometre): This is held on the main field at Hutchison Park, catering for children between 4 and 8 years old. The ride will be entirely on the field, preventing any traffic-related danger. Every participant will receive a sweetie bag.

Al pre-entries will qualify for a lucky draw, the grand prize of which is a bicycle sponsored by Cyclesphere. The first 400 pre-entries for The Full Monty (94 kilometre) and The 69er (69 kilometre) events will receive a goodie bag and event T-shirt, courtesy of Hypersure Insurance Brokers.

Online entries are available at www.roag.co.za Entry forms and all race information is available at www.amanzimtoticycle.co.za