![\"ccs-62657-0-68925400-1426771373.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-68925400-1426771373.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSouth Africa\u2019s top pro cyclists will take part in a high-speed battle in the 30-minute Circuit Spectacular following the road race at the Emperors Palace Classic on Sunday, April 12. \/\/ Photo: Peter Morey.<\/span><\/p>\n Racing starts with the 20km and 40km off-road races on the Saturday, followed by the 50km and 102km road races the following day.<\/p>\n The Sunday offering includes the ever-popular Emperors Palace Kids Classic, which caters for youngsters aged two to eight.<\/p>\n The Circuit Spectacular will once again bring the curtain down on the weekend\u2019s racing programme.<\/p>\n This invitation-only, 30-minute criterium race sees South Africa\u2019s top pro riders face off in a high-speed battle on a circuit near the main entrance to the casino resort.<\/p>\n Organiser Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events said the public could look forward to witnessing top-class, European-style racing, which was rarely seen on South African soil.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a real crowd-pleaser, so we\u2019ve moved the Circuit Spectacular and the kids\u2019 races to a more visible and accessible spot to allow more spectators to get in on the action.\u201d<\/p>\n De Villiers said as far as the average rider was concerned, the line-up offered the perfect autumn challenge for riders of all fitness levels and technical abilities.<\/p>\n \u201cThe event is nicely nestled at a time of year when temperatures are becoming milder and the chances of rain are slim.\u201d<\/p>\n He said the road routes offered fast and flat circuits with good surfaces throughout.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom a safety perspective, we\u2019ll be focusing on creating a lot more awareness and visibility.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will be erecting signage along the route to alert motorists of the event ahead of race day.\u201d<\/p>\n On the day, more than 200 marshals and 150 traffic officers would be on duty, he said.<\/p>\n Sweat & Gears\u2019 Lee Stockenstrom, who designed the mountain bike courses, said riders would once again get to experience the excitement of riding in the shadow of the aircraft on the grounds of OR Tambo International Airport.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s urban mountain biking at its best. It\u2019s so close for East Rand cyclists; it\u2019s practically in their backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n Stockenstrom, who has been responsible for the mountain bike routes since the discipline was added four years ago, said the course would remain largely unchanged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very user-friendly and slightly undulating, with some tar work thrown in as well.\u201d<\/p>\n He said there was just one technical drop-off on the 22km track where riders had the option to either walk down or use the chicken run on the side.<\/p>\n \u201cThe track is essentially made up of three sections. The first bit is through a forest, then round the dam and suburbs, and finally a seven-kilometre flat section right next to the runway \u2013 all interlinked by pavement rides.<\/p>\n \u201cThe tree section is my best. Six kilometres of winding forest, more than enough room to overtake and slightly downhill \u2013 so it\u2019s nice and fast!\u201d<\/p>\n Stockenstrom said the trails would be open every Wednesday evening for training rides and also on weekends.<\/p>\n De Villiers added that the nearby casino resort offered convenient and safe parking as well as a variety of family entertainment options once the racing was done.<\/p>\n \u201cEmperors Palace put in a massive amount of effort to ensure a hassle-free experience for riders at the venue, which is perfectly suited to hosting the more than 8 000 expected participants over the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n