​Joburgers can expect thrills and vibrant vibes when the City hosts the 25th edition of the annual 947 Ride Joburg bicycle contest on Sunday, 21 November.

This year’s instalment will have a whooping R200 000 prize purse for elite South African riders, with the start and finish at FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Soweto. Race organisers say this is the biggest prize purse for a single-day sporting event on the continent.

More than 20 000 cyclists are expected to participate in this year’s ride, which will cover 97km of city terrain because of a newly designed route, which showcases Joburg’s world-class infrastructure, facilities and historical sites.

The new route starts at FNB stadium, then heads out onto the Soweto highway for a brief loop, passing the iconic Joburg gold mine dumps hugging Soweto, before turning back towards Main Reef Road.

“We are excited about this venue. It is easily accessible, and with a capacity of 80 000, there’s enough room to accommodate cyclists and spectators with ease,” says Bongi Mokaba, the City’s Director of Events.

Cyclists will enjoy the scenic cityscape as the route pedals onto the M1 South, cycling in a northerly direction. For 3 km, the back-markers will be able to catch a glimpse of the racing categories jostling for position as they race towards the finish. From here, riders will join the old route on the M1 to tackle a speedy set of undulating downhills towards Woodmead.

“We’re shutting down some of the busiest roads on the continent to offer cyclists of all abilities a liberatingly safe space to realise their goals,” says Mokaba.

Riders will then head up to Kyalami for an exclusive opportunity to zip around the world-class race track before turning onto a new section down Main Road. The first proper ascent comes on this stretch of route as riders climb up to Witkoppen Road, which also marks the King / Queen of the mountain spot.

The latter half of the route is quite hilly, but the views of Joburg’s leafy tree-lined streets are worth the effort. As cyclists approach the last 15km, they’ll cross the iconic Nelson Mandela bridge before turning onto the M1 and riding past Gold Reef City. At this point, they’ll catch glimpses of the FNB Stadium in a distance, which marks the last section of an exhilarating ride.

Cyclists will finish their ride on Nasrec Road, before turning into FNB stadium for a hero’s welcome and great hospitality.

Event planners say the new route will test each rider’s perseverance and skill.

“If the enormous prize isn’t enough to get you pedalling (although we know it is,) riders can expect to experience SA’s busiest city in a way they haven’t before with a new start/finish venue and route,” explains Event planners.

Enthusiasts can expect a fun-filled day as plenty of activities are scheduled for the day, including dancing, cheerleading and drum performances.

As expected, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a 100% entry fee refund will be offered to cyclists should the event be reduced or cancelled. With the current trend of fitness taking priority in more lives, participation numbers are expected to surge. If there’s a need to reduce the number of participants to comply with regulations, entry will be on a first-in, last-out basis.

“Whatever your reason for riding, whether it is to become fit and healthy, to crush personal fitness goals, to ride for a greater purpose, to enjoy the lekker Joburg vibe or to race your heart out, we hope to see you at the start line,” race planners enthuse.

In addition, the annual Mountain Bike and Kids’ rides happen on Sunday, 14 November at Steyn City. Click here www.ridejoburg.co.za to enter.