Rated the top race in South Africa for 2006, even above big events like the Cape Argus and the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 cycle races, the annual Powerade Kremetart One-Day Stage Race once again looks set to attract national attention.

"Last year, I turned up as a ‘Kremetart-Virgin’, not knowing what I had missed out on all these years, but I will most certainly be back for more this year! It is not surprising that the Kremetart has been voted the best cycling event on the calendar. It’s truly one of the best-organized events I’ve attended, with a great atmosphere and even better potjiekos and beer served at the prize giving," remarked last year’s women’s winner, Chrissie Viljoen (30).

"The Kremetart 2006 was a great challenge. A full day of racing is something different. With the stages being so short, time is hard to get on your competition and every second counts at the end of the day. It´s a great route, very quiet and well run. Definitely a must for 2007 for anyone keen to have a great weekend away and for an action-packed day," was the comment from last year’s overall men’s winner, Daryl Impey.

Most of the well-known races in South Africa are organised by teams of professional event organisers. In the case of the Kremetart, this is the product of just the efforts of club and community volunteers. In the April issue of Bicycling Magazine the unbelievable commitment and support of the local community (together with P&L Hardware Cycling club) are said to be the only reason for the success of the event.

Examples of community involvement are plenty, such as the unique goody bags for participants filled with fruit from local farmers (some four tons were used last year). Many local businesses also sponsor lucky-draw prizes, while this year the Soutpansberg Town Watch will help out as marshals at the numerous intersections in town.

Support is also given annually by the different traffic departments, as well as the Louis Trichardt police. In addition, security companies also offer support, while local charity organizations like Round Table Zoutpansberg 66, Ladies Circle 4, the Moths, Rotary etc. are always available to lend a hand. The Makhado Municipality further boosts the event by providing money, the venue, roads etc. Limpopo Tourism also do their bit to promote the area during the event. There are many more examples of community involvement, but in short, just about the entire community has a role to play. Last year, some 170 volunteers were involved to help make the race a success.