![\"ccs-62657-0-03946800-1463643300.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-03946800-1463643300.jpg\")
<\/a>The peloton pictured on a previous edition of the Bestmed Jock Classique. Photo: Supplied<\/span><\/p>\nWynand de Villiers from ASG Events said the second edition of what is arguably South Africa\u2019s toughest stage race would, apart from a few minor improvements, closely resemble last year\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith most of the Lowveld\u2019s iconic mountain passes included, it is again shaping up to be a massive showdown between the top professionals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
When they conceptualised the tour as an add-on to the traditional Jock Classique, De Villiers said they wanted to create an \u201chonest test\u201d for the country\u2019s elite riders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is simply nowhere to hide and the strongest rider will win \u2013 full stop.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the Cycling SA-sanctioned race, which took riders over 304km and a whopping 7 200m of vertical ascent, was the only local race in which participants were tested according to European standards.<\/p>\n
The 27km uphill time-trial between Nelspruit and the mountain town of Kaapsehoop on the opening day would set the tone for the remainder of the event, said De Villiers.<\/p>\n
The second stage, a 140km haul from Nelspruit to Nelspruit via White River and Sabie, is largely the same route used by the Classique, which takes place on the same day.<\/p>\n
De Villiers said the major climbing tests on this stage were Spitskop (5km at 12%) and Long Tom Pass (12km at 10%).<\/p>\n
The final day featured the most climbing with riders ascending 3 100m on the tough 138km round trip via Kaapmuiden and Barberton, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough it includes the Boulders (12km at 14%) and Hill Top (5km at 10%) climbs, don\u2019t discount the stretch between Kaapmuiden and Barberton which is steady uphill for about 40km.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Villiers said an attractive addition this year was lunch after stages two and three at the Mbombela Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are creating a nice atmosphere in the race village as we did with the Jock\u2019s sister event, the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Jock Tour, which is limited to a field of 500, caters for amateurs and pros across all age categories.<\/p>\n