MTN Zoo Lake Criterium returns

The MTN Zoo Lake Criterium takes place this coming Sunday. It was revived last year and presented by MTN, after many years without being held. The format had changed from the past, but this is a very exciting opportunity to watch cycling (in a lap format) close-up as a spectator

Come and bring your pic-nic basket and enjoy the day in the sun at Zoo Lake!

Last year's winner, Daryl Impey, now with Team Barloworld

There are a number of different category events during the day, culminating in the Elite race at 15h00, and then the final 1 lap race for all riders that starts at 16h00

There is a lot of history to this event, and as a young rider I can remember wanting to race this race with the professionals in 1991. I had to change up to the junior category prematurely to be allowed to race the 100 km criterium as it was then, and the race being in November meant that I did not miss too much u17 racing and was very excited to do the race in the elite bunch.

The year was 1991, I am on Andrew Mclean's Wheel!

I managed to get across to the front split of 25 riders and finish the race in that group, but was not involved in the hardcore race for the win. I can’t remember who won that year, but neither can the greats Gary Beneke or Mark Beneke. Perhaps it could have been Andrew Mclean’s team mate - Kurt Verleden, or even Lourens Smith, Willie Engelbrecht or Fransie Kruger. Do you remember who?

Gary Beneke looking for service - 1991 Zoo Lake Crit

In those days the race was fierce and lasted 2 and a half hours, with spectators lining the right hand side of Lower Park drive in Parkview. The route has changed since, but I hope that we can get the popularity back to the days of old. Come out on Sunday and support your favourite rider!

-Juniors 9:00:00 AM 9:30:00 AM 25 minutes + one lap
-Ladies Elite 9:45:00 AM 10:15:00 AM 25 minutes + one lap
-Corporate Team entry 10:30:00 AM11:00:00 AM 25 minutes + one lap Mandatory 4 riders perteam
-Open Club 11:15:00 AM11:45:00 AM 25 minutes + one lap
-Vets 30-39 12:00:00 AM12:35:00 PM 30 minutes + one lap
LUNCH 12h35 PM 13:30:00 PM
-Vets 40-49 13:30:00 PM14:05:00 PM 30 minutes + one lap
-Masters 50+ 14:15 PM 14:50 PM 30 minutes + one lap
-Elite and U23 15:00 PM 15:50 PM 45 minutes + one lap Mandatory 5 riders per team
-Final Sprint 16:00PM 16:10 AM 1 lap One lap of the circuit - winner takes all.
Open to all licensed riders