The Road to Nationals officially launched in George

GEORGE NEWS - George has officially embarked on its journey towards hosting some of South Africa’s biggest cycling events, with the formal launch of the Road to Nationals marking the start of an exciting new chapter for cycling and sports tourism in the Garden Route.

The launch, held at The Apprentice Restaurant at the François Ferreira Academy on Thursday 6 August, brought together representatives from government, cycling, sport, business and the local community.

Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure and Leader of Government Business, Tertius Simmers, officially launched the Road to Nationals by cutting the ribbon.

George will host the South African National Criterium Championships from 30 October to 1 November 2026, followed by the South African Road, Individual Time Trial and Para-cycling Championships from 3 to 7 February 2027.

Simmers highlighted the importance of infrastructure in supporting major sporting events while also creating safer environments for cyclists and other road users.

“Hosting the South African National Cycling Championships in George in 2027 is an exciting opportunity for the Garden Route and the Western Cape,” said Simmers.

“Good infrastructure is fundamental to successful events like this, but more importantly, it is fundamental to creating safer environments for cyclists and all road users.”

He said the Western Cape Government would continue investing in resilient and well-maintained road infrastructure that connects communities, supports economic activity and creates opportunities for cycling and sports tourism.

Event organiser Dunette Neuhoff said the championships offered George an opportunity to showcase itself beyond the race course and highlight the region’s sport, tourism, infrastructure and active lifestyle offering.

“As George prepares to welcome South Africa’s best cyclists, we also have an opportunity to showcase a city that is becoming recognised for sport, development, world-class infrastructure, tourism, healthy lifestyles and active living,” she said.

Neuhoff thanked the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Garden Route District Municipality, George Municipality, Cycling South Africa, Eden Sport Council and Eden Cycling for their support in bringing the championships to George.

For Eden Cycling president Corne Bence, hosting national-level racing in the region forms part of a broader effort to strengthen cycling and create opportunities for local riders.

“Eden Cycling’s vision is to strengthen the pathway from grassroots participation through regional competition and ultimately to national level,” Bence said.

He said the federation aimed to work with government, municipalities, sporting bodies, clubs, event organisers and the private sector to create an environment where riders could develop, compete and progress without having to leave the region to pursue opportunities.

Bence also extended his appreciation to Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie for his continued support and commitment to growing cycling across the province.

The championships are expected to provide opportunities to develop local cycling, attract visitors, stimulate sports tourism and demonstrate George’s ability to host major national sporting events.

With the ribbon now cut, the Road to Nationals is officially underway.Attending the opening were Garden Route District Mayor Marais Kruger, Dunette Neuhoff, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, George Mayor Browen Johnson and Mossel Bay Councillor Donovan Claassen.