MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The annual Kremetart Cycle Race on June 5 this year is set to boost the local economy with a direct injection of R2 million, which will multiply to over R8 million as the money circulates in town.

More than 700 participants have already entered the main event and projections are that 1 200 cyclists will ride the main 172 kilometre stage race, 400 the 72 kilometre race from Vivo and 100 the 20 kilometre fun ride.

Cycling is an expensive sport, due to the high cost of equipment, and attracts participants from the upper-income level of the population. The average age of entrants is 38 and includes many professional people.

Entrants in this year's race will pay over R200 000 in race entry fees. Most of this money will be spent in town, providing services for the cyclists. The sponsors of the race, Barloworld, PPC Cement and Dulux, as well as the sponsor of the local club, P&L Hardware, will add another R135 000.

The entrants have already booked almost every available bed in the town and surrounding areas and will pay for 2 000 bed nights over the weekend, to the value of over R300 000. A further 800 people are staying in the municipal caravan park. In all, 4 000 people will be visiting the town as a result of this race, spending at least R100 each a day over the weekend on incidentals, such as food and refreshment, totalling about R800 000. About 1 000 vehicles are expected to fill up in town before returning home, spending a further R250 000 at the local filling stations.

The race, which was rated as the best cycling event in South Africa by last year's participants, has sparked interest from all over the country and entrants are coming from all nine provinces to take part, including the Cape. It is estimated that participants will spend R200 000 on toll fees to get to Louis Trichardt and back home.