In the article:
- Preparations for the 18th edition
- New features in limited quantity that have not been seen here before
- Registration launch
Preparations for the race in full swing
he spring classic is approaching with each passing day. Although there are still over 2 months until the start, preparations are in full swing. Since the end of last year, the organizing team has been preparing individual areas for the 18th edition of the main race and the 9th edition of the children's race. This year, there will be several novelties and new services, which the coordinators of individual areas are preparing based on the feedback from last year's questionnaire. Development will mainly come in expanded services, increased rewards, added categories, as well as in safety.
The race date for May 19, 2024, has already been registered by many of you. The race has been part of the UCI calendar and other calendars such as the Slovak Cycling Union, Trnava Cycling League, maratony.eu, MTBIKER.sk, and trenujeme.sk for the 5th year. "We are pleased that our race is appearing in so many places, and its popularity is growing among cyclists every year, as evidenced by the sold-out starting field for the second year in a row. The limit will therefore be set again this year to guarantee quality to participants. I am also very pleased that there is increasing interest in cooperation from companies and institutions that want to be part of the race and support it. Thanks to them, we can prepare the main and children's races for cyclists and raise their level. The Children's Sereďmaratónik and accompanying program are planned again between the start and arrival of the main race participants," explained the race director Lukáš Riha.
The race date for May 19, 2024, has already been registered by many of you. The race has been part of the UCI calendar and other calendars such as the Slovak Cycling Union, Trnava Cycling League, maratony.eu, MTBIKER.sk, and trenujeme.sk for the 5th year. "We are pleased that our race is appearing in so many places, and its popularity is growing among cyclists every year, as evidenced by the sold-out starting field for the second year in a row. The limit will therefore be set again this year to guarantee quality to participants. I am also very pleased that there is increasing interest in cooperation from companies and institutions that want to be part of the race and support it. Thanks to them, we can prepare the main and children's races for cyclists and raise their level. The Children's Sereďmaratónik and accompanying program are planned again between the start and arrival of the main race participants," explained the race director Lukáš Riha.
New features that have not been seen here before
Although the organizers wish to have the same route for at least two years in a row, it does not always happen. "The approval processes for the proposed route are currently underway. The planned reconstruction of the section between Hlohovec and Bojničky affects its change. So the route from Hlohovec to Sereď will not decide the winner of the 18th edition this year," outlined some information about the route by transportation coordinator Dominik Tvrdý. This year's route will not be significantly different in profile or length. It is tentatively planned for 118 km, and there is also a climb to Havran in the mix.
The organizers want to provide participants with more comfort, services, and support. They have prepared bonuses that no one has done at races before (at least in Slovakia). So, racers can add Bonus Plus packages to the registration fee, which includes additional benefits. Among them is the opportunity to choose their favorite (lucky) number with their own name, extra drink vouchers, tombola, priority equipment, starting position in the front lines, special discounts, gifts, and other surprises. However, the number of each package is limited in terms of time and quantity.
Cyclists can also look forward to expansion or addition of new services. "Increased financial rewards for winners, addition of new competitive categories, increased number of refreshment points (buffets) on the route, more photographers, a richer tombola, increased number of sanitary facilities in the square, and other novelties and improvements that we will introduce gradually," outlined some of them Tomáš Poláček, service coordinator.
Before the start itself, we will be adding information about training rides, competitions, and introducing novelties on social networks. Therefore, we recommend following us to get the latest updates first.
Registration
Registration is already open. "The first wave will be the most advantageous, where racers can save up to 30%. The advantageous price will be valid until March 15. Subsequently, the price will increase slightly but will still be more advantageous compared to the base price. Participants will have the opportunity for discounted registration with a 15% discount. Although prices in the market are rising, we are managing to keep the entry fees low with the support of partners," explained registration coordinator Barbora Javorová.
Will we manage to sell out the races for the third time in a row? Organizers have a different priority The organizing team is working to keep the races financially accessible for cyclists while maintaining a certain standard. "We appreciate every cyclist who decides to start with us. Every organizer is glad when as many racers as possible stand on the starting line, whether you organize races for fun or business. It is also a business card and a reward for the work that the organizing team puts into the entire part of the races. We try to do individual things as best as we can, be inspired by the best, and use professional security and technology. This year, we added bonus packages to registration with extra services and rewards. Professional service of neutral mechanical vehicles will be provided for cyclists. We are adding refreshment points along the route, increasing rewards