mapIT Announces Interactive Map for The Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge

~ mapIT provides Route Maps, Race Profiles, Route Planner and Mobi Site for the race ~

mapIT  together with Primedia and Altech Netstar, are pleased to announce the launch of the online Interactive Map, Route Maps, Race Profiles and Mobi Site for The 2012 Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge. The race will take place on 18 November 2012 through the streets of Johannesburg and Altech Netstar will be providing tracking of over 100 route vehicles, as well as riders supporting various charities. The race is aptly named the toughest race in Johannesburg and is renowned for the large crowd that it draws year after year.

The mapIT Route Maps and Race Profiles, which visually show the gradient of the route, allow for entrants to prepare for the race. The Interactive Map can be viewed on http://947.mapservice.co.za/ and contains the routes, live tracking of charities, points of interest as well as road closures which will enable race participants to plan their movements and meeting points for the day. Supporters will be able to navigate to their meeting spots, around road closures with the help of the Mobi Site (http://947.mapservice.co.za/mobi) which will also provide the real time tracking of the cyclists ‘Riding for a Purpose’.

 The race marshals, organisers and safety crew will also plan their operations based on this mapping and tracking technology. “We are pleased to be backing this race for the fourth year running. It is without a doubt one of Johannesburg’s major sporting events and mapIT is proud to be able to provide a service which supports both the public and organisers as they navigate through and around the route on the day,” said mapIT’s Managing Director, Etienne Louw. Louw added that the Interactive Map also acts as a great tool for the rest of Johannesburg’s citizens. Those who are not involved in the race will be able to find their way without being affected by the event by navigating around the road closures, hassle free, from any connected device.

“Altech Netstar will be providing real time live traffic information to race organisers and 94.7 listeners throughout the day. We are also delighted to be providing the units and technology to facilitate the tracking of all the participants supporting charities by riding to raise funds and awareness for their various worthy causes,” said Harry Louw, Managing Director of Altech Netstar. Charities being tracked on the main mapIT Interactive Map are MAD Charity, Philile, Pink Chicks, Reach for a Dream, Riding for Rainbows, Starfish Charity and The Cows.

The Smile Foundation, a charity subsidising facial reconstruction to disadvantaged South African children with deformities, will be tracked on their own site (http://smilefoundation.mapit.co.za/). They will enjoy the support of local celebrities such as 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Darren Simpson, Samantha Cowen, Brad O Regan and Gavin Deysel as well as Ms South Africa. Spectators wishing to update the Twittersphere with the action and camaraderie of the celebrities riding for The Smile Foundation can use the Twitter Hashtag #SmileFundSA.

This is Jo’burg’s race, so we encourage everyone to come out into the streets and celebrate our city. Visit the mapIT Interactive Map at http://947.mapservice.co.za or their Mobi Site at http://947.mapservice.co.za/mobi and track The Smile Foundation celebrities at http://smilefoundation.mapit.co.za/.

Summary of features:

• Medical and refreshment points along the route
• A route profile of the route in elevation indicating inclines and declines and additional route information
• Kilometre spaced distance markers
• An alternate re-routing tool that competitors, spectators and residents can use to avoid road closures
• A rotatable 360 degree ‘SiteSee’ preview of key stages of the route environment
• The map is available the Momentum 94.7 website, www.cyclechallenge.co.za or directly http://947.mapservice.co.za
• Live Tracking of ‘Smile Foundation’ riders, available at http://smilefoundation.mapit.co.za/