![\"ccs-62657-0-84034300-1444049144.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-84034300-1444049144.jpg\")
<\/a>The Bestmed Satellite Classic, presented by ASG, is set to roll along the picturesque roads around Hartbeespoort Dam on October 17. Photo: Jetline Action Photo.<\/span><\/p>\nAccording to race organiser Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events, the road race on the Saturday provides one of the best tests of form ahead of Gauteng\u2019s biggest cycling event, the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are myriad reasons for this but most notably the incredible scenery on the route and the fact that it offers almost the exact same degree of difficulty,\u201d said De Villiers.<\/p>\n
He said the first half of both the 106km and 80km routes would wind past the dam at a time of day when the usually busy roads were dead quiet, affording cyclists a safe opportunity to take in their surroundings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re more often than not greeted by a glassy Harties without a breath of wind. It\u2019s a breathtaking and surreal moment of stillness.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the feature race presented a test comparable to the Cycle Challenge, De Villiers said the 80km option was ideal for riders who were not yet at full fitness by offering them a more manageable ride to gauge their form.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut both routes test their climbing legs with the four-kilometre Hekpoort monster.\u201d<\/p>\n
After conquering Hekpoort, he warned that the racing would be far from over, with a final sting in the tail waiting on Poeierbult.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a short climb but it looms just 10 kilometres from the finish, which makes it a real backbreaker.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo there\u2019s honestly no better preparation for 94.7.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, he said both the 106km and 80km road races were premier seeding events for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve also introduced a 60km event this year, especially for the fun riders.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the Sunday, mountain bikers can look forward to a true riding challenge in the 40km off-road race.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur route director Darren Herbst has worked tirelessly on the mountain bike route,\u201d said De Villiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a race for beginners and is really something for those with technical skills to display their abilities, with lots of ups and downs and winding trail sections.\u201d<\/p>\n
He suggested beginners and social riders should try out the 20km option.<\/p>\n
Saloon Route 66 on the Hartebeeshoek Road will be the start\/finish venue for all events.<\/p>\n
As has become Bestmed tradition, R10 of every entry will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa.<\/p>\n