Call to cyclists to get moving and "Ride Joburg" with Discovery and 947

Discovery's Chief Marketing Officer Firoze Bhorat (centre), with the 947 Breakfast Club for the launch of the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg.

Discovery and 947 are excited to announce a revitalised 23rd edition of Joburg’s most iconic cycling event, encouraging cyclists to move through the city’s streets like never before in the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg on Sunday, 17 November at Riversands Commercial Park.

As part of Discovery’s global commitment to make 100-million people 20% more active by 2025, the event will be staged with an invigorated vision to get more people moving by taking the promotion and growth of cycling in South Africa to the next level.

“We’re thrilled to join 947 and set the pace in our home city by hosting the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg,” says Discovery’s Chief Marketing Officer, Firoze Bhorat. “For many years, this signature Joburg event has created an opportunity for people to improve their health outcomes by participating in an iconic city race, and to make lasting memories along the way. We’re excited to be partnering with Primedia to grow this brilliant annual event and boost the sport of cycling in South Africa.”

“Last year, over 40% of 947 cycle race finishers were Vitality members – that’s nearly 10,000 adults out of a field of 25 000. We’re not only looking to build on the number of Vitality members we can get cycling, but how many others we can encourage to be active,” adds Bhorat. “Vitality has a global commitment to make 100 million people more physically active by 2025, and with that vision in mind, we’re expanding the race this year with a brand new 40km route to make it accessible to those new to the sport cycling.”

Back by popular demand, the event returns with 2018’s flipped route that spans approximately 94.7km of thrilling Joburg terrain that cyclists get to own for a day. The challenge remains, but the spin on the ‘traditional’ route ensures that cyclists get the tough climbs out of the way while their legs are still fresh. Supported and hosted by the City of Joburg, cyclists will get to enjoy a safe ride with full road closures on the route.

The Discovery 947 Ride Joburg will be bigger and more inclusive than ever with the introduction of a shorter 40km route aimed at novice riders with the appetite to conquer the streets of Joburg at a distance that matches their fitness level.

Speaking from France, South African Road Champion and Stage 9 Tour de France Winner, Daryl Impey from Team Mitchelton–Scott, welcomed the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg announcement: “I’m really thrilled to hear about the news that Discovery is investing in our sport. Hope to see you all there and good luck!”

Team Principal of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka, Doug Ryder also took a moment to share the exciting news with South Africans back home.

The Discovery 947 Ride Joburg is the world’s second-largest timed cycling race that attracts thousands of cyclists, ranging from beginners to elite, every year. The popularity of the sport is further bolstered by the massive participation in the Mountain Bike and Kiddies rides that are held the weekend before Ride Joburg at Steyn City – the new home of the Discovery 947 Mountain Bike Ride and Discovery 947 Kiddies Ride.

Discovery Vitality members will be pleased to learn that they will be able to earn 1100 Vitality points for the 94.7km Ride Joburg and 800 Vitality points for the new 40km route.

“We are thrilled to partner with Discovery on evolving this important cycling event. Their vision of getting more people to become healthier and more active is a great fit as we encourage cycling among people of all ages and walks of life,” said Primedia’s Group Head of Events, Alexia Poulos.

“Whether you are returning to the race or it’s your first time, you can expect the same world-class event, but with exciting new twists you don’t want to miss out on. This race is without a doubt the most unique way to get moving and experience the diverse and vibrant landscape of Joburg,” Poulos added.

Whether you are regular participant or considering tackling the challenge for the first time, dust off your bike and enter the Discovery 947 Ride Joburg. Entries close 4 October.

For more information and to enter visit www.947ridejoburg.co.za or follow #RideJoburg on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.