Dome2Dome gets UCI sanction

South Africa's PowerAde Dome2Dome Cycling Spectacular has become the country's first commercially owned, single day race to be awarded UCI sanctioning. The event, which will now offer 50,000 Rand in prize money, is now included in the UCI Africa Tour.

"This is really going to benefit South African cycling in a significant way," said former national team manager Tony Harding. "It's very difficult to qualify our riders to ride at the World Championships and Olympic Games because they have to travel all over the world to earn enough UCI points.

"The Dome2Dome has taken the first step in this regard and hopefully the other major South African single day races will follow suit," he added.

Prior to the announcement the only UCI sanctioned events in South Africa were its National Championships and the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Giro del Capo stage race.

"This will open an avenue for riders to earn points on home soil and will ultimately go a long way in strengthening the country on the international cycling scene, which will show in our performances," said Harding.

Harding will oversee the elite race on September 16, which forms part of a weekend sports festival and expo at Northgate's Coca Cola Dome.

In addition to the elite road race, which will be shortened from 174 kilometres to 105 kilometres this year, the weekend also includes shorter road races and three different length mountain bike races.