The annual Tour de Soweto Cycle Challenge will give the area a boost by providing job opportunities for some and promoting the colourful Johannesburg township.
While small businesses in the vicinity of the race will benefit from cyclists and spectators purchasing from them, between 300 and 500 locals will be employed as marshals and ushers to serve at the various water points.
Those serving as marshals will be trained and receive ongoing training, with the prospect of marshalling at other races in Gauteng.
Race co-ordinators from the local Lethabo Cycling Club, together with officials from various cycling disciplines in Soweto, will also assist with the race.
In terms of promoting Soweto, race organisers have commented on a large number of queries being received from non-local cyclists wishing to spend a night in Soweto and experience the colourful township.
Surprisingly, to date the majority of entries received have been from cyclists living outside of Soweto.
The Challenge will be run on August 16, starting and finishing at Mofolo Park, and aims to promote cycling as a sport in the townships, will
To cater for cyclists of all fitness levels, there will be a 94km race, a 50km fun ride and a 10km dikwiel and schools race.
Entries will close on August 5 and entry fees are R100 for the 94km race, R50 for the 50km fun ride, and R10 for the 10km dikwiel race. Schools can enter the Schools Challenge free of charge.
Prize monies for the race will total R75 000 in cash prizes plus an additional R15 000 for participating schools. - Sapa