Congratulations! You’ve made the commitment and signed up for a cycling event. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or starting out, a great deal of training, planning and passion will go into your big day.

The Herald Cycle Tour, made possible by Telkom, is set for Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on 9, 15 and 16 February. To help you get started, we have some great tips to set you up for a super race day.

1. Be sure to have the right gear

Having the right cycling gear is crucial if you want your race day to go smoothly.

• Padded shorts will help to prevent chafing.
• A moisture-wicking top will help you eliminate extra sweat and keep cool and dry.

Other essentials worth having are:

• A patch kit, for a quick fix and sealant to repair your tyres in an emergency
• Sunscreen to protect your skin
• Good-quality reflective shades

2. Get mentally prepared

Getting to the finish line is a mental workout as much as it is a physical one. The race begins long before you even get to the start line. Months ahead, prepare your mind by visualising the route and how your body will feel at each stage of the race. Engage in deep breathing techniques to help you regulate your breathing as you ride to strengthen your mind-body connection.

3. Train consistently and at different intensities

Depending on your race distance and duration, your cycle training techniques will need to be varied and combine high intensity and longer rides. Both will serve a purpose, helping to build momentum and endurance. You can also go on a weighted ride when training to mimic the effects of the actual race. If your goals are clear but how to achieve them maybe less so, don’t shy away from consulting a professional to help you set up a training plan.

4. Focus on good nutrition

Understanding how to fuel for a race and the importance of macronutrients is essential. A balanced diet of high quality protein, carbs and smaller amounts of fats will get your body race-ready, and optimally fuel your training rides. A day or two before your race, strategically fuel and ‘carb up’ so that you have enough glycogen and energy stores to keep you going the distance. Fuelling during the race is just as important - focus on carbs and healthy fats such as peanut butter, bananas, energy bars and trail mix to keep you going.

5. Test your performance in different weather conditions and surfaces

Anticipation is key. Understanding how you will ride in different weather conditions like rain, mist and wind is important, as is navigating different road surfaces. Challenge yourself ahead of race day by cycling on different types of terrain and weather conditions. This will make you more resilient and adaptable to unpredictable conditions.

6. Have a plan for race day

Half the battle lies in having the right plan for race day. Have all your gear packed and ready to go well ahead of time. The night before, make sure your phone and smartwatch are fully charged. In the days and hours running up to the big event:

• Get enough sleep
• Eat a light breakfast
• Make sure you are well hydrated
• Stretch and do your breathing exercises
• Get to the start venue well ahead of time to avoid traffic

7. Visualise the route to prepare for any possibilities

Visualisation for athletes is a powerful tool that can help calm your thoughts and get your head in the game. Close your eyes and visualise the route and distance, and how you would feel throughout the race. Feel the excitement of the start, the buzz of the crowd. Now visualise yourself crossing the finish line and being victorious!

8. Rest, refuel and recover after the race

Well done champ! You made it across the finish line. All your planning, training, mental and physical preparation has paid off. It’s time to relax and enjoy the post-race endorphin rush. Put those feet up, cool down, hydrate and get some protein in to help repair and rebuild your muscles. And if you feel up to it, get a post-race massage. You’ve earned it!

The Herald Cycle Tour gets a brand-new sponsor!

Possible begins here and Telkom is proud to partner with The Herald Cycle Tour 2025 as its platinum sponsor.

The tour is set to take place in Gqeberha over two weekends. 

Going the distance

If you sign up for The Herald Cycle Tour, there are many distances to choose from.

For the mountain bike race, taking place on the 9 February, there are options ranging from a 500m toddlers dash, all the way up to an 80km extreme race.

The road race, taking place on 15 and 16 February consists of races ranging from 55km to 106km. There’s also a 2km kiddies race. Learn more about the entry requirements for The Herald Cycle tour 2025. 

The Herald Cycle Tour is steeped in South African history and is one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year. It puts Gqeberha on the map as an exciting travel destination with good weather and unmissable beaches, trails and other natural wonders to explore.

This partnership opens up the possibilities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, foster economic growth, give back to communities and support SMMEs.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok or Instagram to learn more about the race and check out our highlights from the event.