This year is particularly special as it coincides with SPU's milestone 10-year celebration. Pulane Nel-Sekepe spoke to Sol Plaatje University’s vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, to find out more:

When? 12 November 2023

Where? Windhoek Draught Park Stadium, Kimberley

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist eyeing a new personal best or a novice keen on building your way up to a healthier lifestyle and new friendships this is your call to action. With the option of a 50 km or a meaty 100.8 km route, there’s a challenge tailored for you. Not to mention some amazing prizes that could be yours for the taking!

As much as it’s about cycling, the event is also a community gathering to remember. The Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge promises a vibrant atmosphere with a family-friendly market. Expect an array of pop-up stalls featuring mouth-watering eats, delightful treats, kids’ entertainment, and yes, a beer garden for those who wish to unwind responsibly.

The Cycle Challenge has become a flagship event for the university, making it an unmissable experience. Take this opportunity to feel the warmth and friendliness of the Northern Cape while you pedal your way through its stunning landscapes.

Register HERE. 

#LetsRide #MySPU

RACE INFORMATION AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in association with the Northern Cape Cycling (NCC) Federation will host its 3rd annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge in Kimberley on Sunday, 12 November 2023.

This road race will cover 2 distances:

1.A 50 km race for persons 13 years and older.

2.A 100.8 km race for persons 19 years and older.

This event aims to build social cohesion among key stakeholders across all sectors within our city and beyond. It caters for both family and businesses, advocating healthy living through the promotion of cycling as an activity for all and creating fun and engaging spaces to network and socialise.

Through this event SPU hopes to:

• Bring people together and have them be part of the greater #MySPU community.

• Hold a well-organized, professionally run cycle race that is a positive, safe experience for participants who are either cycling enthusiasts or leisure riders.

• Reach a maximum audience in terms of both, participants and the public to strengthen the ties between the University and its surrounding communities.

• Create an event and an experience for participants that reflects the values of Sol Plaatje University.

• Promote awareness around healthy living.

To enter and participate in this event, please review all the information below pertaining to the Race Information and Terms and Conditions.

Race Information
The Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge will cover 2 key distances in and around Kimberley, also passing on to the N8.

Click here for the 50 km distance route map.

Click here for the 100 km distance route map.

The event starts and ends at the Windhoek Draught Stadium. Get geared up and ready to pedal your way to the starting line.

Physical Address: Windhoek Draught Park Stadium, 20 Jacobus Smit Avenue, New Park, Kimberley.

GPS Coordinates: 28.750282237559308, 24.757784356454074

Entries
2.1 Entries into the 50 km race are open to persons 13 years and younger; and for the 100.8 km for persons 19 years and younger.

2.2 Guardians are to ensure that the indemnity form is completed upon entering the  race.

2.3 All entries to be completed by clicking on this link.

2.4 Entries will open on 16 October 2023.

2.5 Entries close Wednesday, 8 November 2023.

2.6 Entries are only confirmed once full payment of the entry fee is received.

2.7 Should the payment for an entry not be received by the closing date in (2.5) above, the entry will be removed from the system.

2.8  The amount/fee payable for all solo/individual entries is detailed below and is inclusive of a compulsory day license fee of R50.

• 50 km – R250

• 100.8 km – R350

2.9 Each entrant will receive an SPU Swag Bag as well as a medal of participation.

2.10 Cash Prizes worth over R20 000 is up for grabs for podium finishers (see Terms and Conditions).