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WPcyclingPD
administers a league road race programme, initiated in February 2007.
The primary aim of the programme is to provide opportunities for
cyclists with physical disabilities and visual impairment to compete
regularly in races of an appropriate format in order to
develop their full potential. An important secondary aim is to
build a sense of
community amongst the league race participants through the opportunity
that the races provide for general interaction amongst the
participating cyclists. Aligned with these two aims, it is
common for UCI World Championship and Paralympian paracyclists to
participate in the league programme
to inspire the development of junior and other cyclists with
aspirations of competing internationally. Cyclists classified in a
range of
disability classes are accommodated in the league race programme - i.e.
C, T V and H cyclists, using bicycles, tricycles, tandems and
hand-cycles.
The
races take place once a month on Saturday mornings. Race registration
is at the Klein Joostenberg Deli. Registration
opens 45 minutes before the start time. Races start at 07:00
in summer, 07:30 in spring and autumn and 08:00 in winter. In the
event
of
bad weather or hazardous cycling conditions races may be cancelled.
In this regard, cyclists can check with the organisers on the
morning of
the race.
The league
organizers are always on the lookout for marshals
to assist with races (e.g. controlling the safe passage of cyclists
across road intersections, recording times, etc.). In most cases,
friends and family of the participating cyclists volunteer for these
duties (which is always greatly appreciated).
Apart
from registration on the morning of the races, entries can be made
electronically. Entry forms (accessible through this website) can be
emailed to the league administrator, Karin Burns (kburns101@gmail.com)
or faxed to the following number: 0865510409 before 13:00 on the
Friday preceding a race. A R20.00 entry fee is charged per race.
Cyclists
may select from the following race distances:
B Route (10 km); C Route (16 km); and D Route (35 km) - see
maps for routes
Cyclist
accumulate points throughout the league season, which ends in August
each year. Six points are earned for each result that is an improvement
on a best time for both the preceding and current season (for a
particular route). Four points are earned for
completing a race but not improving on a best time. Two points are
earned for starting but not completing a race. Newcomers earn six
points for the result they achieve in their first
race and must aim to improve upon this time in subsequent races in
order earn maximum points. The total number of points earned by each
cyclist during the
season determines their finishing position in the league. Winners are
announced for both seniors and juniors at a prize-giving ceremony held
at
the end of the first race of the new season.
Klein
Joostenberg Bistro is a wonderful venue for the league races. After
each event, many cyclists stay on for breakfast or refreshment -
interacting socially, sourcing information on forthcoming events, etc.
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