All mod cons for 35 000 riders

2008-03-05 22:22

Jana Breytenbach

Cape Town - Two helicopters, the latest technology and thousands of litres of thirst-quenchers will help to make the world's biggest cycle race as enjoyable as possible for the expected 35 000 taking part on Sunday.

This year's oldest cyclist in the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay race is 89 and is the oldest person to have taken part in the race since its inception in 1978.

Ten paraplegics also will take part this year, using hand-pedalled bicycles.

Six scholars from the Athlone School for the Blind have also decided to saddle up on tandem bikes for the route around the Peninsula.

There will be 423 tandem cycles, which include 76 racing bikes, 43 bikes with junior riders and 304 bikes with social riders, tackling the 109km route.

About 300 volunteers will man the refreshment stalls, providing 50 000 litres of Powerade, 160 000 litres of Coca-Cola, 100 000 litres of cold water and 50 000kg of ice to soothe dry throats.

The organisers have given the assurance that generators will be available in case of power cuts.

Participants' medical history will be captured on a new health program, Bluespier, at registration.

If they need help along the way, emergency services will have access to this information and will be able to help their patients immediately.

"We have been testing this program for a year and the results are good," said Dr Basil Bonner, head of Milnerton Medi-Clinic's emergency centre.

The program will be used at five points along the route - Jubilee Square, the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, Soetwater, Hout Bay and Camps Bay.

88 ambulances on standby

The main control point will be Tygerberg Hospital, where doctors will be able to monitor the use of the program.

A total of 100 vehicles - 88 ambulances and response vehicles, 10 motorcycles and two helicopters - will keep an eye on cyclists. More than 800 medical personnel will be on standby.

The South African Weather Service predicts fine weather on Sunday. A northwesterly wind of between 25km/h and 30km/h is expected, with morning fog at Slanghoek, Cape Point and Scarborough. The mercury will rise to the high 20s in Cape Town.

The first group starts at 06:00, when it still will be dark. The sun will make its appearance a little later, at 06:39 and will set at 19:12.

- Die Burger