The third stage of The Cell C Tour of South Africa got off to a great start with an overwhelming welcome by the executive mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay at a formal function held at the Radisson Blu hotel last night. Guests were greeted with traditional drum rolls and had their faces painted in true African style.

The executive mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Mr. Mlungisi Mvoko welcomed all the guests and extended his support to the riders. He said it was an honor for Nelson Mandela Bay to host an event of this magnitude and assured his audience that the race would run smoothly.

He mentioned that Nelson Mandela Bay bears the rich legacy of an area named after an iconic and world renowned leader Mr. Nelson Mandela and that it boasts some of the finest architectural attractions in South Africa. He continued to say that Nelson Mandela Bay offered a wealth of treasures in historical attractions, museums and places of interest, which were guaranteed to provide a journey of discovery through the city?s diverse history and culture.

Barry Mocke, CEO of Cycling South Africa extended his gratitude to the mayor and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay for a warm reception. ?We appreciate the tremendous support and the riders are excited to be here? said Mocke

The Cell C Tour of South Africa serves as a great platform to showcase the rich heritage and diverse culture that South Africa has to offer. The route chosen for Nelson Mandela Bay included the breathtaking scenery of Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, one of the host stadiums during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the Addo Elephant National Park which is a finely tuned ecosystem sanctuary to over 450 elephants as well as the Coega plant which is a purpose-built pure vacuum-dried salt crystallization facility.

Cycling South Africa CEO Barry Mocke thanked the mayor for awarding the riders the opportunity to share in the experience of the beautiful city of Nelson Mandela Bay.