Perhaps as a result of the heavy ambulance/medical insurance bill from Stavelot, the following media report was released during the Pro World Champs in Copenhagen (and not by Mark De Castro)

“Msunduzi Road Challenge (South Africa) scoops 2012 final of UCI World Cycling Tour

Cycling South Africa pulled off a another major coup by winning the rights to stage final of the 2012 UCI World Cycling Tour in Pietermaritzburg.

The announcement was made at the International Cycling Federation (UCI) Management Committee meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday, attended by Cycling SA President Greg Till and the event director of the Msunduzi Road Challenge Alec Lenferna.

Till said after the announcement that the awarding of the rights to host the final of the 2012 World Cycling Tour, formerly known as the Master Road World Championships followed the successful hosting of the UCI MTB World Cup and the BMX World Champs in Pietermaritzburg, entrenching the city’s status as a global cycling mecca.”

It does indicate the Gran Fondo leanings of the Champs, as they’re advertising that the top 25% of finishers from the qualifiers will make the final. 80 have already qualified in my age group from Melbourne last week.

Now, if only they get the date right (school holidays) and I win Lotto…