See you back in October 2021
After exhaustive, but sadly unsuccessful pursuit of alternates, it is with regret that the organisers of the Germiston Classic have decided to cancel the 2020 events. The primary reason is SAFETY. The safety of our naming sponsors, Carnival City and Macsteel, participating cyclists, the public at large, volunteers, recipients of the proceeds from the races, service providers and many more.
The Covid19 pandemic has forced the implementation of rules and regulations never before seen in our country. It is the civic duty of each of us to abide by these rules and regulations – in order to minimize the spread of the virus. Our event uses up to 150 marshals on the route, placed at every intersection where traffic could enter the route. Along with race officials, and other service providers, our staff compliment would be close to 200 volunteers to ensure a “safe” event. It is for this reason that we have decided to cancel the 2020 events instead of organising a reduced-sized event. We should all continue to socially isolate ourselves from the calendar until 2021.
Common knowledge is that all proceeds of our races are distributed to many deserving charities in our community. The races are organised in their entirety by volunteers of Germiston Wheelers Cycling Club and The Rotary Club of Germiston. No remuneration is earned by any of these volunteers. Many participants of recent years have happily paid their entry fee – then further contributed to a charity fund established to collect any and all of these monies – too to be distributed to worthy causes. Should we enjoy the ongoing support of these cyclists – for the benefit of charities – we will gladly accept such donations and distribute accordingly. Should you wish to donate to one of our beneficiaries, please contact us and we’ll forward you the banking details.
In 2021 we look forward to staging the full events – Covid19 or any other pandemic depending. So, to all concerned parties – we stress that our races are temporarily suspended and look forward to your future support during 2021 and further.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the feeling of riding your bike as fast or slow as you like. We’ll leave you with these quotes from the legend that is Eddie Merckx:
- “Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride” – Eddy Merckx
- “Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades” – Eddy Merckx
