•Alliance Francaise host second bike fest
SARAH KINGON
JOIN the French festivities as Alliance Francaise hosts their second annual Tour de Force Mountain Bike Challenge and French Market at 3 Silos on Sunday.
The event, which emulates the famous Tour de France, welcomes the whole family to enjoy a morning of activity, music, food and fun.
As with the Tour de France, the 10km and 20km races take a different route this year – they will be ridden in reverse. The kids’ 2km and 5km races will be the same as last year.
Event organiser Pierre Viaene said: “The surprise for the winners from last year’s race is that they will wear a yellow jersey during the race this year – just like in the Tour de France.”
The market is sure to be bigger and better with a variety of stalls selling clothing, jewellery, furniture, drapery and more. Stock up your picnic basket at the French food stalls before relaxing on the 3 Silos lawns.
French buskers will provide musical entertainment for the picnicking crowd.
“Stalls will include all that you would find at a traditional French market. There will certainly be no biltong and koeksisters,” said Viaene, who added that there will be more coffee stations this year owing to the demand from last year. The 3 Silos Restaurant will also be operational for those who don’t wish to picnic.
There will also be car displays from the three leading French car manufacturers including: Citroën, Peugeot and Renault.
Entries cost R100 for the 20km/10km, and R50 for the kiddies races. Entries can be made online at www.frenchconnectionborderkei.co.za or at Cycle HQ. Late entries on the day at 3 Silos will cost R20 more.
The market opens at 8am, with the 20km race commencing at 9am and the 10km at 10am. The kiddies’ races will begin at 11am.
Lucky draws and prize giving will be about 12.30pm. Racers must be present to receive prizes. A much coveted genuine polka dot King of the Mountain jersey valued at ß80 (R1256) will be given out as a lucky draw prize.
Contact: Pierre, on 083-700-4788.
