Media Release- Mossel Bay to Host South African Nationals Championships 2026 & 2027

SA NATIONAL CRITERIUM CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS RELOCATED TO MOSSEL BAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 7 October 2026
Issued by: The Local Organising Committee

The 2026 SA National Criterium Cycling Championships will take place in Mossel Bay on 31 October–1 November 2026, with De Bakke/Santos confirmed as the event venue. The championship dates remain unchanged.

The relocation follows unresolved objections to the full road closures required for the proposed circuit in George. Following extensive engagements and consultation with Cycling South Africa, Eden Cycling and Western Cape Cycling, the decision was taken to relocate the championships to ensure a safe and suitable racing environment.

Background to the decision

The LOC applied for and received the full road closure permit through the Western Cape Department of Mobility, following the required process and protocols. The relocation follows objections to these approved arrangements, despite sustained support from municipal and provincial authorities.

According to the LOC’s engagement records, courtesy discussions were held before event information was emailed on 6 July 2026 to the private entity. A representative of the Private entity also attended the official championship launch on 6 August, where no objection was raised.

On 28 August, the business management informed the LOC that the July email had not reached management and communicated its objections to the full road closure to George municipality. Numerous engagements followed, involving the LOC, cycling representatives, Traffic, Law Enforcement and the Executive Mayor’s office.

During a meeting involving George Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson, the LOC and representatives of the private entity, objections from another management entity were also raised that had not previously been communicated to the LOC. Its representatives expressed concerns about alternative access, the condition of Violet Road and spectator use of customer parking without guaranteed spending at the centre’s businesses.

According to the LOC’s account of the meeting, management explicitly stated that it would not accept the full road closure under any circumstances.

These positions were communicated by the respective management representatives and should not be taken as representing the views of all residents, individual retail tenants or the wider Blanco community.

Although both management teams expressed support for the event in principle, the proposed compromise of using only one lane for a National Criterium Championships, would require cyclists travelling in both directions to share a single lane while another lane remained open to ordinary traffic.

A national criterium requires a fully closed circuit with controlled access. Bunches of approximately 40 cyclists can reach speeds of 60 km/h or more. Opposing rider movements within one lane, alongside live traffic, would create an unacceptable collision risk and could not provide a suitable basis for the championship’s technical and safety approval.

“After extensive efforts to resolve the access concerns, we could not secure the certainty needed to proceed safely,” said event organiser Dunette Neuhoff. “Relocating the championships after eight months of preparation has been an extremely difficult decision, but our responsibility to the riders and the national federation must come first.”

Cycling South Africa, as the national federation, together with the LOC, Eden Cycling and Western Cape Cycling, must uphold the applicable UCI regulations and cycling event safety requirements. Obtaining a full road closure permit does not remove our responsibility to ensure that the circuit remains safe, secure and free of unauthorised traffic during racing.

The unresolved objections to the approved closure created uncertainty that we could not overlook. We also have a responsibility to protect the integrity and reputation of the national championships and the federation. Together, we therefore decided that relocating the event was the most responsible course of action, placing rider safety first.

Appreciation for George and the Western Cape Government

The LOC expressed its heartfelt gratitude to George Municipality, the Western Cape Government and every department and stakeholder involved in preparing the event.

“The support from George Municipality and the provincial teams has been incredible,” Neuhoff said. “Mayor Browen Johnson and his team actively intervened and worked tirelessly to help us find a solution. Their guidance and commitment have been a blessing throughout this journey.”

The LOC thanked George Tourism, municipal and provincial Traffic teams, Law Enforcement, Disaster Management, Go George, the Department of Mobility, the relevant provincial departments and Ministers, councillors, neighbourhood watch representatives and event partners.

“We have the utmost respect for our municipality and provincial government and would gladly work with their teams again. We would love to see cycling come to life and hope to build broader community and business support for future events.”

Mossel Bay welcomes the championships

Mossel Bay Executive Mayor Alderman Dirk Kotzé responded promptly to the LOC’s request for assistance. With De Bakke/Santos secured as the venue and municipal support confirmed, preparations are proceeding for the championships.

The proposed 3.5 km circuit along George Road places the start and finish near the resort, with the adjacent parking area serving as the race village. The final approved route, road closure arrangements, registration details and programme will be published through the official event and technical guides.

“We thank Mayor Kotzé, the Mossel Bay municipal teams, the venue and our partners for assisting at short notice,” Neuhoff added. “Mossel Bay’s experience in hosting major sporting events gives us confidence as we complete the remaining preparations. We remain committed to delivering a championship worthy of its national status.”

Updated information for cyclists, teams and spectators will be shared through official event channels.

Further information regarding the proposed arrangements for the 2027 SA National Road, Individual Time Trial and Para-cycling Championships will be communicated in due time, as we want to open the entries as soon as possible.

ENDS

Media enquiries
Dunette Neuhoff