Other Sport
Record entries for Giro
2009-02-10 08:35
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Barloworld's Robbie Hunter (Gallo Images)
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Cape Town - A record 30 teams have entered for the Cape Argus PPA Giro del Capo presented by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, including some of the cycling community's top guns.
In 2008, 26 teams entered the Giro. This year, after the event was almost called off due to lack of sponsorship, a record 12 international and 18 local teams have entered.
"This tells us that, despite the tight budget, there is a huge demand for the event," said David Bellairs, co-director of the Trust.
Local teams include Konica-Minolta, Durban-based House of Paint and Neotel, featuring Nolan Hoffman who recently won the 105km The Herald VW Cycle Tour.
Also in top form is young Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg from Toyota Supercycling Academy.
He outsprinted Barloworld's Daryl Impey to win the Berge and Dale Super Classic at the end of January.
International participants include the UK-registered Team Barloworld, who are back to defend their title. They boast an experienced and formidable contingent, including South Africans Robbie Hunter (captain) and John-Lee Augustyn, and Giro veterans Impey, Christopher Froome and Felix Cardenas.
The UK's number one-ranked cycling team, Rapha Condor, are also heading for Cape Town. Rapha Condor's star studded team include Olympic bronze medallist Chris Newton, Tour of Britain star Kristian House, and Namibian Dan Craven, the reigning African Champion.
Mannie Heymans of Team Namibia will return to the Giro del Capo for the 18th time. He is the only rider to have participated in every single Giro since its inception. "I am very glad that the 2009 Giro is taking place after all. I didn't ever think the Giro would stop before I stopped!"
The Giro del Capo is a five-day stage race which kicks off in Wellington on March 4. The fifth and final stage has been incorporated into the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, which will see the Giro lead 35 000 cyclists around the picturesque Cape Peninsula.