Argus Expo as popular

Published by www.sportstrader.co.za

The Cape Argus Momentum Lifecycle Expo – South Africa’s largest cycling, fitness and healthy lifestyle expo – is as popular as it was last year. This year  approximately 80 000 visitors attended the expo  held 6-8 March, the three days leading up to the main event, the Cape Argus Cycle Race. The event that last year attracted a similar amount of visitors is also the registration point for the 35 000 cycle race riders that entered the race.

 

The Lifecycle Expo held on the three days before the Cape Argus Cycle Race (6-8 March) attracted big crowds.

 

This year there were approximately 170 exhibitors with 349 stands - 29 more than last year and the most they have ever had -  showcasing new products and selling items to cycling fans at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town.

 

It has certainly come a long way since event organiser Eddy Cassar approached the Cycle Tour organisers in 1991 after seeing a cycle apparel company selling their products beside the Camps Bay soccer field.

Discounts offered on the Cape Union Mart stand were popular.

Retailers such as Chris Willemse Cycles, Maillot Jaune, Coimbra Cycle House, Cape Union Mart, and Sportsmans Warehouse were among the stores with discounts, specials and variety to offer visitors that approached their stands.

Customers queued outside the Chris Willemse Cycles stand to benefit from the expo specials.

 

The big Sportsmans Warehouse stand had plenty to offer.

 

Evert Ferreira (middle) explains the benefits of Skins compression to a customer.

 

Popular brands such as adidas, Trek (locally distributed by The Bicycle Company), GoPro (locally distributed by Omnico), Thule, Osprey and Buff ( locally distributed by Adventure Inc.),  Skins and Nathan (locally distributed by Super-Brands), Rapid Sports, Polar and Second Skins were among the many to give consumers the chance to view items on their stalls.

Consumers made use of the opportunity to inspect what top brands like Trek and adidas offer.

There was also plenty for non-shoppers who like to listen to lectures and talks, or find out more about the various charities and cycling organisations participating in the race. The newly added lecture series featured various topics such as the medical aspects of the Cycle Tour, bike set up to suit your build, compression as a recovery solution, as well as the history and future of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour. These were free for visitors and gave them an opportunity to ask any questions related to health, cycling, nutrition, etc.

 

Osprey packs and Buff technical scarves attracted attention on the Adventure Inc stand.

 

Cyclists could visit the Mediclinic Medical Village where they could have their blood pressure, cholesterol or glucose levels tested free of charge. Members of the general public also had access to these services for a small fee.

Last minute clothing shopping from Second Skins.

 

This year there was also a specified secure parking area on the Grand Parade with security and a free shuttle service (sponsored by Avis) taking visitors to and from the venue. The park-and ride facility that had six mini buses running from 8.30am-19.30pm every day of the Expo was added due to the limited parking available at the venue itself.