AGE GROUPERS
ALL TO PLAY FOR
There’ s something on the line for every rider at Nedbank Gravel Burn, with both male and female amateurs competing across nine different Age Group categories for one-of-a-kind leader jerseys. It’ s an innovation that’ s bound to create a buzz!
WHILE PRO RIDERS VIE FOR THE COVETED ACCOLADES of stage wins and GC glory, there’ ll be plenty of other contests on the go at Nedbank Gravel Burn. Non-elite riders will have all to play for in the various Age Grouper races for men and women, starting with a 19-34 category and going all the way up to 70-74. The aim is to inspire exciting racing among the wider field and give leading amateurs something to compete for each day – namely a pristine, one-of-a-kind leader jersey. In effect, everyone racing at Nedbank Gravel Burn has the chance to be a winner.
RAISING THE BAR
“ I am nervous and thrilled in equal measure for the Age Grouper racing,” says Carol McCallum, who is the oldest female participant, racing in the women’ s 60-64 category.
“ Most of all I’ m excited that age groupers are included and recognised in this amazing gravel race. It raises the level a notch when you know that it’ s more than just a safari tour!”
Carol, a keen cycling traveller who has raced in many parts of the world, adds that age-group racing is rapidly on the rise, giving cyclists a chance to compete at their highest level even as they get older.“ The agegroup phenomenon is huge around the world,” she says.“ I have been to a few road cycling age group world races, and these women can ride! It is very motivating to know that you can still compete with like-minded people while riding the same event as top-level cyclists. As participants at cycling events, we all essentially want to experience some great racing.”
Jenna Borril, who will be racing in the 35-39 category, shares Carol’ s sentiments.“ The Age Grouper innovation is very exciting with many‘ mini’ races within the overall race. I think everyone’ s competitive nature will come out!” She adds that being able to chase a specific leader jersey during the Nedbank Gravel Burn is a deserved reward for the hours of training that go into stage race events.“ It’ s a great idea to give recognition to amateur riders across all age categories who invest so much time, money and sacrifice to participate.”
As one of four riders in the 70-74 category, Stephen Salt has a balanced outlook.“ It adds another dimension that riders like me are still pushing ourselves and being competitive within our categories, but it’ s also about enjoying
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