LOUIS TRICHARDT - A record field has entered for the 2003 Kremetart Cycle race on June 7. The town will host close to 800 cyclists plus their supporters, friends and families for the weekend of 6 to 8 June.

Cyclists are coming from all over the country, some from as far away as Hermanus in the Cape, Bloemfontein, the Free State and Dundee in KwaZulu Natal. The unfortunate political and economic state of our neighbour to the north, however, means that no team from Zimbabwe will compete in this year's event. The winner of the women's section for the last two years, Bronwyn Swanepoel who is now living in Johannesburg, will however, be here to defend her title.

The municipal caravan park, which is the centre for much of the activity around the race, has been fully booked with 390 people, 140 tents and twelve caravans, which will certainly put the park's facilities to the test and provide much of the atmosphere for the event.

The field of women riders who entered for the 172km stage race, is at 55 already larger than that attracted by other major events of this type and distance in the country. For the first time the event also attracted some junior (u/19) women to attempt the long distance. A further 22 women will be riding as partners on tandems.The majority of these teams are mixed couple tandems. The pre-entries for the 72 km race from Vivo to Louis Trichardt are also the most in the event's history. An amazing 60% of all the entrants for this event so far are women. This surely provides more proof that cycling is the fastest growing women's sport in the country.

The 20km fun ride from Schoemansdal is also a big attraction, especially with the youngsters and every one with a bike is encouraged join in the excitement of riding with such a large field of cyclists. The entry fee for the fun ride is R30 and every finisher will receive a medal for his or her efforts. Entries for the fun ride can be done at the caravan park on Friday evening or at the Schoemansdal veldt school from 14:30.

The finish in Rissik Street should provide an interesting spectacle for spectators, at about 16:00, when the riders in the 172km event will arrive. Rissik Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday afternoon and spectators are asked to park in the side streets but to avoid the driveways of the homes in the area. For more information, phone Malcolm at Tel. (015) 516 0387 or Ds Willem at (015) 516 0349.