Oudtshoorn, 14 February 2023 – Oudtshoorn successfully hosted the S A Cycling Championships from the 8th until 12 February 2023 and the 5th S A Cycling Championship hosted in the Garden Route and Eden District. This was a huge economic boost for Oudtshoorn as over 5 300 people visited the town during the week of the Championship, this includes the cyclists, supporting staff, officials, and supporters.
Accommodation establishments, restaurants and attractions saw a significant increase in numbers during the past week of the Championship, as well as during the weeks before, as participants visited the town for training before the Championship.
The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Alderman Chris Macpherson, said, “it was a privilege for Oudtshoorn to be selected to host this event and the economic impact was clearly visible.” Oudtshoorn Municipality contributed R75 000 in support of this national event and “I felt honoured to hand over the cheque to the organisers on Monday evening, 06 February 2023, during the launch.”
Mr Corné Bence, Western Cape Cycling Chairperson, said that the developing cyclists were given the opportunity to participate with experienced riders. “These developing cyclists also had the opportunity to drive in commissaries during the races to see their heroes, some of whom participated in the Tour de France, up close and in action.” Bence also thanked the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality for the support before, during and after the event.
Oudtshoorn has once again been placed on the map as a preferred event destination and is already a well-known destination for its different tourist attractions.
Mr Walter Hendricks, Municipal Manager of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, said that he is pleased about the mutually beneficial relationships that were forged between the role players, and the Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Oudtshoorn received a further financial boost when the 31st Highgate Biathlon was also held in town with more than 550 athletes from 8 provincial teams competing on 04 February 2023.