PIETERMARITZBURG plays host for the second year to the Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge (EDCC), set to take place on Sunday. The event is scheduled to start and finish at the Maritzburg Christian Junior School at 7 am on the day.

This year sees an increase in the number of locals registering for the second Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge in South Africa’s foremost “City of Cycling”.

Shaun Driemeyer, father of two and Pietermaritzburg local is gearing up for his first Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge.

Driemeyer, an avid cyclist of 13 years who has more than 130 cycle races under his belt, commented: “This is my second EDCC and by far this is one of the best organised races I have participated in. Also you get value for money with the EDCC.”

Driemeyer is only one of many local residents participating this year with other locals flocking to registration points across the city. PMB cycling club, the Burg Wheelers have also entered a team into the race, with team manager Jill Edwardes commenting that her team has been preparing in earnest for this event, which first caught their attention last year.

Brad Bergh, Engen sponsorship manager commented: “Through Engen’s sponsorships of the sport, we have reaffirmed our commitment to improving the lives of our youth, particularly those who have been affected by serious burns and are in the care of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Therefore, with our partner Velokhaya, we will continue to raise funds for the Burns Unit.

“With 50% of each entry fee being donated to the campaign and thus far your participation in the Engen Dynamic Challenge Cycle has enabled us to make a contribution of over R30 000.

“Thank you to those who have done their bit to give these young victims another lease on life, and I urge you to continue to support this initiativ­e.”

The person who manages to clock the most number of kilometres on the day stands to win an amazing Engen Dynamic Cycling Challenge hamper to the value of R2 500. Visitors to the Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge exhibition will also get to meet Greg Minnaar, South Africa’s very own World Downhill Champion.

As in last year’s race, there will be two routes, namely a 103 km long route and a 42 km short route. Interested cyclists can enter the race through the very efficient online entry system to the Engen Dynamic Cycle Challenge via the Cycle Lab website at www.cyclelab.co.za

Participants will need to produce their valid Cycling SA licence card in order to validate their entry to the event. Non CSA/Cyclo Sport registered entrants will need to purchase a temporary day licence at a cost of R30 each.

• Registration on Sunday is only for the fun ride event and not the registered event.