The pair emerged from the 140km Underberg Gran Fondo gravel race a week ago as comfortable winners after a tough ride in the foothills of the Drakensberg, but the level of competition will be stepped up significantly this weekend for what is regarded as one of the major events on the KZN MTB circuit.

Unfinieshed business for Tyronne White

White, the runner up in 2023, is almost certain to be in the mix when the leaders start fighting for positions toward the end of the 60km route through the Eston farming district, but the Drive Train Academy veteran will have to use all his experience to hold off a phalanx of youngsters who are making their mark on the provincial scene.

“Pietermaritzburg’s Omar Wilson has become a force to be reckoned with over the past year, and after winning the 60km event at the Sappi Karkloof race a few weeks ago, and thus claiming the SA Junior title, he is probably the rider to beat.”

However, under 23s Keegan Tullis and Daniel van der Watt and teenager Joshua Paul have also been showing that they can compete at the highest level and White could feel like the old man in an otherwise very young lead group. However, the highly respected cycling coach may still be able to hand out a lesson or two to the “kids” as they battle for victory.

“In the women’s race, Malan will be buoyed by her win from a week ago on a gravel bike, but will probably have to produce an even better performance this weekend on her mountain bike if she hopes to be on the overall podium.”

Young riders on top

As in the men’s race, the rider to beat is a teenager.

“Tyler Jacobs has proved herself able to compete with the best in the country this year and at Karkloof she earned a SA Champs bronze medal in the elite women’s event and it is hard to see her being beaten this weekend.”

The youngster’s strongest challenge is likely to come from defending champion Joanna van de Winkel, although the road rider-turned-mountain biker may find herself struggling this year to stay in contention on the technical portions of the Eston route against her fearless young rival.

Another youngster who will be hoping to claim a step on the overall podium is Riley Smith who has proved herself to be one of the rising stars of KZN mountain biking over the past few years as she moves through the age-groups.

The Illovo Eston Trail Challenge has once again attracted a big field and can justifiably claim to be the biggest one-day trail festival in the province. For MTB riders there are 60km, 40km and 18km events with a 10km fun ride, while trail runners have a choice of 18km and 9km runs.

Will you be at the Illovo Eston Trail Challenge?

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The Ballito resident had to ride by himself for the best part of about 80km once the lead group broke apart and he crossed the line in the 140km gravel event in a time of 4:46:20, six minutes ahead of ultra-distance maestro Kevin Benkenstein, with Thabiso Zindela claiming the third step of the podium.

Big climb seperates podium from the rest at Underberg Gran Fondo

David Shelley and Michael Rowland were part of the lead group until the big climb of the day and finished fourth and fifth respectively.

In the women’s race, Sanchia Malan (Index Property Solutions), who is coached by White, cruised home in a time of 5:59:24, with Mikayla Benkenstein edging out Malan’s Swiss Epic teammate, Hayley Smith (Bell), and then Mikaela Hagemann in a close battle for the minor placings.

“It was bloody hard,” was how White succinctly described his victory.

Long day in the saddle

Despite the tough nature of the event, the Drive Train Academy rider said he enjoyed his long day in the saddle.

“I am always happy with a win obviously, but we also had a good group of guys to ride with for the first half of the race. They were all nice to ride with and were all happy to do their share of the work.”

“We split up on the Coleford climb and then David (Shelley) was with me for a while until he dropped off and Kev (Benkenstein) rode back until a climb after about 60km when I went alone.”

“From there it was every man for himself until the finish.”

Underberg Gran Fondo Selected Results

140km
Men
1 Tyronne White 4:46:20
2 Kevin Benkenstein 4:52:49
3 Thabiso Zindela 4:57:11
4 David Shelly 4:57:17
5 Michael Rowland 4:58:19
Women
1 Sanchia Malan 5:59:24
2 Mikayla Benkenstein 6:09:47
3 Hayley Smith 6:13:51
4 Mikaela Hagemann 6:14:00

94km
Men
1 Stefanus van den Heever 4:06:14
2 Graeme Kelly 4:22:04
3 Cameron Daly 4:22:15
4 Bryan Clarke 4:35:47
5 Ivan van Niekerk 4:38:51
Women
1 Juli Morris 4:40:37
3 Daleen Tyler 5:29:13
4 Melanie Van Rooyen 5:37:30

45km
Men
1 Isaiah Evans 1:58:02
2 Ezra Evans 2:07:01
3 Michael Streatfield 2:09:47
4 Asa Evans 2:16:43
5 Tayne Rudling 2:16:59
Women
1 Jenna Lofstrand 2:23:34
2 Minette Mccabe 2:38:50
3 Emma Logan 3:41:24

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The 140km race has swiftly gained a reputation as a well-organised, all-around gravel riding test, with some of the province’s finest riders realising they face a stiff two-pronged assault from their opponents as well as a course that “has a bit of everything”.

Tough ride on the gravel at Underberg Gran Fondo

Josh Rheeders, a previous aQuellé Tour Durban champion, is anticipating a difficult ride in the Drakensberg mountains.

“I’m actually a little nervous because I haven’t raced in a while,” said the Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team rider. “I’ve done it the last two years and I’ve got some decent results so I’m quite keen.”

Rheeders finished fifth in the inaugural event in 2022 and then was just outside the top five last year, but is looking forward to the challenge.

“The event is always nice. It has a bit of everything so it’s actually a really fun race … but it kind of tests you a lot as well.

“The first half is really rolling through the river valleys, and then you get the big climb at about 60 kays. Then the second half of the loop is a lot faster, so you have bit of everything and that makes for some good racing.”

Rheeders mentioned the riders he was most worried about are David Shelley – “he had a good KZN Champs recently”, Kevin Benkenstein – “who is really good over the long distances” and Tyronne White. Other riders who are likely to be prominent as the leading group forms in the early kilometres include Michael Rowland and Sean Yelland.

Hayley Smith is the standout favourite in women’s race

On paper, the women’s race looks like being a relatively easy cruise for Hayley Smith as she prepares for the Swiss Epic later this year.

“I really enjoyed the Underberg Gran Fondo last year and I’ve entered for the Swiss Epic (mountain bike race) in August, so I thought this would just be a nice block towards that before we leave,” said the Bell Equipment rider who finished as runner-up to Joanne van der Winkel in the 2023 Underberg event.

Like Rheeders, Smith has a lot of respect for the route and is preparing herself for a long day in the saddle.

“It is quite a tough route – it is 140 kilometres and that is always going to be difficult. Last year once we hit 100 kilometres I was like: “I still have 40 kays to go!”

While Smith clearly has the best racing pedigree among the pre-entries, late entries are available at registration on Friday and Saturday morning and Underberg local Bianca Haw is rumoured to be entering which will provide Smith with a serious local challenge.

The 140km event is the main race, but competitors also have the option of a 90km race and a shorter 41km.

More info can be found at https://underberggranfondo.co.za/

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“Unfortunately Tadej Pogacar has cancelled his participation because of a state of extreme fatigue,” Slovenian Olympic cycling coach Uros Murn said in a statement.

For the latest Paris Olympics 2024 news, bookmark The South African website’s dedicated section

Pogacar won a third Tour de France title in Nice on Sunday.

Victory also gave him the first Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double since Marco Pantani in 1998.

But the 25-year-old, a bronze medallist in the road race at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, had been angered by his girlfriend Urska Zigart not being selected for the Slovenian women’s cycling team for the Paris Games.

‘I need a little rest’ – Tadej Pogacar

He said he was “angry” and “speechless” in a message posted on his Facebook account.

“I need a little rest after the Tour and I’m not sure what I’ll be doing next,” Pogacar had said on Sunday.

“And I want to relax and rest and spend some time with my girlfriend.”

When asked about the Olympics on Sunday, he remained very evasive, preferring to mention his “dream” of one day wearing the rainbow jersey of world champion.

At the worlds in September in Zurich, the Slovenian is aiming for a triple of the world title, the Giro and Tour, only held by two men, Ireland’s Stephen Roche and Belgian Eddy Merckx.

Pogacar will be replaced on the national team by Domen Novak.

“Once again Tadej, congratulations for Tour de France win!” Team Slovenia said.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The South Coast resident has consistently been one of the province’s top off-road racers over the past decade.

Underberg Gran Fondo proves a stepping stone

Now she has plans to take on one of the world’s major stage races next month with the testing Underberg Gran Fondo as part of her preparation.

“I really enjoyed the Underberg Gran Fondo last year and I’ve entered for the Swiss Epic (mountain bike race) in August, so I thought this would just be a nice block towards that before we leave,” said the Bell Equipment rider who finished as runner-up to Joanne van der Winkel in the 2023 Underberg event.

She also said: “I will be doing it on a mountain bike again this year as part of our training for Switzerland.”

“I definitely did struggle on my mountain bike last year, but because we are using this as a bit of a training ride, I am happy to just ride it out on my mountain bike again. I’ll just ride at a pace that I feel comfortable. I’m riding with Sanchia Malan, my partner at the Swiss Epic, so at least there will be a bit of a group of us.”

Smith, like many of the elite riders who tackled the long 140km event, had to dig deep at times as she tackled the undulating 140km course.

“It is quite a tough route – it is 140 kilometres and that is always going to be difficult. Last year once we hit 100 kilometres I was like “I still have 40 kays to go!”

“But I suppose we’ll just have to see what happens on the day and how the legs are feeling. It will be a nice test to where the fitness is and if everything has been going according to plan with how the training has been going for Switzerland.”

Relishing the challenge

Despite the tough nature of the race, Smith is looking forward to her second Underberg Gran Fondo.

“Last year I really enjoyed the event. It has a really nice venue and the event is nice for the whole family because they have got the three different distances. I think is quite nice that they’ve been able to include the various races so the younger riders coming through have options.”

“It’s also in a great area with beautiful views of the Drakensberg.”

The main 140km route takes riders on a circular course from just outside the town of Underberg, through some spectacular scenery in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Competitors take in three different valley systems, creating a great combination of hills and descents to test the fitness, strength and skills of the riders.

Riders also have the option for a shorter 90km event that follows the same route as the long event for the first 63km, before it peels off and “shortcuts” its way back to the race village on the outskirts of Underberg.

For those riders who are looking for something a little more relaxing, but still want to experience the vibe of the event, the 41km Tour de Farms provides a relatively easy option without the long distances.

Entries are open at MyActive.co.za. and more info can be found at https://underberggranfondo.co.za/

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Cavendish equalled all-time great Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 wins in 2021, and with this 35th triumph is now the sole owner of the record for stage wins in the world’s greatest bike race.

More to follow …

The 2024 Tour de France will be the 111th edition of the race.

Bet Anytime, Anywhere Quick and Easy with Betway

It will start in Florence in Italy and will finish in Nice in France on Sunday, 21 July.

The race will not finish in (or near) Paris for the first time since its inception, owing to preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the French capital.

Twenty two teams, comprising eight riders each, will take part in the race. All 18 UCI WorldTeams were automatically invited are were joined by four UCI ProTeams.

The 21 stages of the race will cover 3 498km.

Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard is the defending champion, having won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar is, however, the overwhelming favourite to win a third yellow jersey, having done so previously in 2020 and 2021.

South African riders

Ryan Gibbons will be one of the eight riders in the American Lidl-Trek line-up.

Gibbons, 29, will be taking part in just his second Tour de France.

He will wear the No 44 bib.

Earlier this year Gibbons won both the South African national road race and time trial.

Meanwhile, Louis Meintjes will be competing in his seventh Tour de France in the colours of Belgian outfit Intermarché-Wanty.

Meintjes’s best finish to date came in 2022 when he finished seventh overall.

He also has back-to-back eighth-place finishes in 2016 and 2017.

He will wear the No 171 bib.

Canadian Michael Woods, winner of the stage on the Puy-de-Dome summit last year, is also absent from the team which will be lead by compatriot Derek Gee and Welsh rider Stevie Williams.

Chris Froome last won the Tour de France in 2017

Gee, 26, finished third in the Criterium du Dauphine earlier this month and 28-year-old Williams won the Fleche Wallonne in April.

“I’m unbelievably excited to be lining up at my first Tour,” Gee said.

“It’s truly a childhood dream.”

Chris Froome’s absence is not really a surprise.

The 39-year-old won the Tour in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, but has been unable to recapture his form since a serious accident on the Dauphine in 2019.

The Israel Premier Tech team for the Tour which gets underway in Florence, Italy on June 29 also includes Pascal Ackermann, Guillaume Boivin, Jakob Fuglsang, Hugo Houle, Krists Neilands and Jake Stewart.

The race gets underway in Florence, Italy, on June 29 and runs till July 21.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

This will be just the third edition of the Underberg Gran Fondo, but the event is riding the wave of the fastest growing facet of cycling and has already built a reputation as a true test of gravel racing.

Spectacular scenery at Underberg Gran Fondo

The main 140km route takes riders on a circular course from just outside the quaint town of Underberg, through some truly spectacular scenery in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Competitors take in three different valley systems, creating a great combination of hills and descents to test the fitness, strength and skills of the riders.

Riders also have the option for a shorter 90km event that follows the same route as the long event for the first 63km, before it peels off and “shortcuts” its way back to the race village on the outskirts of Underberg.

For those riders who are looking for something a little more relaxing, but still want to experience the vibe of the event, the 41km Tour de Farms provides a relatively easy option.

Gravel racing has exploded in popularity all over the world and the growth of the relatively new facet of the sport in this country has been equally impressive, with the recent 165km South African Championships attracting more than 1 600 riders.

Gravel racing seems to have found a niche between the excitement of mountain biking and the bunch-racing nature of road riding. The sport has become attractive to road cyclists who enjoy the tactical elements of the events, but are wary of the technical side of some mountain bike routes.

Mountain biking enjoyed a remarkable growth pre-Covid, and many of the riders who flocked to the sport in those golden years are now adding the gravel events as an alternative form of racing and training.

Tweaks make event as good as can be

Underberg Gran Fondo organiser Pierre Horn is excited about the upcoming event and expects the 2024 edition to be better than before.

“We have learned a lot over the past two years and taken heed of what the riders like and what they have asked for,” said Horn this week.

He also said: “We will not be making any major changes, because the feedback we have had is that the race is a good test of gravel racing, but there will be a few tweaks to improve what we offer.

“We are very proud of this region and believe the event is probably the most scenic gravel race in the country. Last year we got some spectacular photos of riders riding in front of the beautiful snow-capped Drakensberg mountain peaks.

“We try and create a route that offers something that tests a full range of skills. There are some big climbs, particularly in the 140km race, but that is balanced out by some wonderful, long, flowing descents.

“We know the race is not easy – 140km on gravel is never going to be easy – but we think we have created an event that tests riders and the winner knows he has earned the right to be called a champion.”

“The Danish two-time Tour winner has recovered enough from his crash in the Tour of the Basque Country to fight for a good result,” read a team statement.

Vingegaard, 27, was hospitalised after suffering rib and collarbone fractures as well as sustaining lung damage in a mass crash on the Tour of the Basque Country on April 4.

‘Proud of Jonas Vingegaard’

He was back on a bike a month later and feels confident enough to be on the start line for the June 29 to July 21 race which begins in Florence, Italy.

“I am excited to start the Tour. The last few months have not always been easy, but I thank my family and Team Visma-Lease a Bike for their unwavering support,” he said in a team statement.

“We have worked together to get to this moment, and of course, I am very excited to see where I stand. I feel good and very motivated.”

Sporting Director Merijn Zeeman said thoughts of a third successive overall yellow jersey should be put on hold given the seriousness of the injuries Vingegaard suffered.

“I am very proud of Jonas and the coaching team,” he said.

“He is coming back from a serious injury.

“In the last few weeks, he has shown what a champion he is, both mentally and physically. Of course, we don’t know how far he can go yet.

“We are being cautious because he has not been able to race, and his preparation has been less than ideal, to say the least. But he will be there, healthy and motivated.”

Vingegaard will be joined on the team by former Tour stage winner and three-time world cyclo-cross champion Wout van Aert, who is also coming back from injury after sustaining a broken collarbone, sternum and ribs as well as damaging a lung in the one-day Around Flanders race on March 27.

“Of course, this was not the plan initially, but after my development in the last weeks, I really wanted it, and the team agreed,” Belgian Van Aert said.

“Our main goal is, of course, to ride a top classification with Jonas. I want to contribute to that with an excellent team,” the 29-year-old added.

The Visma lineup will also include Spanish Vuelta champion Sepp Kuss, Paris-Nice winner Matteo Jorgenson and experienced riders Jan Tratnik and Wilco Kelderman.

Vingegaard’s main competitor for Tour victory will be Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, who won in 2020 and 2021. Between them the pair have taken the top two places in each of the last three years.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The 39-year-old from the Isle of Man shares the record of 34 Tour de France stage wins with the legendary Belgian Eddy Merckx and has delayed his planned retirement by a year to have another crack at claiming the record outright.

He won the world road race title in 2011 and was also a silver medallist in the omnium at the 2016 Olympics.

Mark Cavendish set to ride in this year’s Tour de France

“I’m truly humbled to be honoured by His Majesty The King,” said Astana rider Cavendish.

“It’s always been the biggest privilege to represent my country, and seeing cycling as the sport, pastime and mode of transport I’ve given my life to, grow in Great Britain during the span of my career has given me joy and pride beyond words.

“I’m truly thankful to everybody that has lived this journey with me.”

Other cycling knights include Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and Jason Kenny whose wife Laura Kenny was made a dame in 2022.

Sir Mark Cavendish is set to take part in the this year’s Tour de France which starts in Florence on June 29 and ends in Nice on July 21.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

As the trail manager at the Absa Karkloof Country Club, Duncan has intimate knowledge of the trails and will be looking to use that advantage, together with his undeniable natural ability, to claim a win in both Saturday’s enduro event and Sunday’s downhill race.

Provincial titles on the line in Karkloof

A double victory would also give also the 24-year-old the KZN Enduro and KZN Downhill Championship titles as these event are both being held in conjunction with the this year’s Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival gravity weekend. The Gauteng Downhill Championships has also been included as part of Sunday’s racing.

In 2023 the gravity weekend at the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival was a two-day enduro event and Duncan was in class of his own as he cruised to ten wins in the ten enduro legs. This year the enduro is a one-day, five-stage event but it would take a brave person to bet against Duncan once again making it a cleansweep.

His biggest challenge is likely to come on Saturday when Western Cape’s Jason Boulle should provide a strong challenge. The silver medalist at the 2023 South African Enduro Champs has been in Karkloof getting to know the trails before the weekend’s racing.

The women’s racing looks to be much tighter with Amber Cole – who turns 18 on Sunday – and 17-year-old Jodi Mackinnon likely to be challenging the more experienced Jade Davies for the KZN Enduro title.

Doubling up

The two day provincial championships programme comes just two weeks after the successful SA MTB Marathon Championships was held at the same venue.

Saturday’s KZN Enduro Championships will see riders competing over five stages of the best flowing gravity trails the trail park can offer. A “lite” event will also provide for the younger riders in the nippers and sprogs age-groups, while also catering for the “fun riders” who are not up to a full enduro event.

Sunday’s downhill action will ramp up the difficulty with the downhillers taking on some of the more technical sections of the venue which has been ranked as South Africa’s top trail park.

Racing is set to start at 8am on both days.

The eight-day race is a warm-up for the Tour de France in three weeks time, and top riders Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic both fell but appeared not to be badly hurt.

Race leader Evenepoel was left clutching the shoulder he injured in the Basque Country in April before clambering back on to his bike.

Organisers said they had cancelled the stage because all the ambulances at their disposal were taking riders to hospitals.

“Due to the fact there are no ambulances to take care of the riders, because they are all busy going to different hospitals, the race will be neutralised,” race organisers said.

No times from Criterium du Dauphine’s Thursday stage will be counted

The announcement means no times from Thursday’s stage will be counted.

Two riders from the Visma team that won the previous two editions of the Tour de France lost key riders Dylan van Baarle and Steven Kruijswijk in Thursday’s fall.

Both Evenepoel and Roglic fell at the Tour of the Basque Country two months ago and this is their first race back.

The pair are expected to challenge for overall victory in the Tour de France.

The peloton remounted and rode the remaining 20km to the finish line at Saint-Priest where team buses and medics awaited them.

Evenepoel leads the race with Roglic second at 33 seconds and Visma’s Matteo Jorgenson third at 1:04.

“I’m alright but look at my helmet,” said Soudal rider Evenepoel.

“My helmet saved me today. I fell on my shoulder again and it’s bleeding but it should be OK, there’s guys far worse off than me.”

The race continues with three mountain stages in the Alps over the weekend.

Karkloof Classic Trails Festival for all

The event is an annual highlight on the calendar for many serious participants. Like those competing for the title in the 85km South African MTB Marathon Championships. 

However, it also has plenty of alternative options for runners and riders over the two-day festival. 

Many participants travel to attend the event. It is also a prime example of how event-driven sports tourism can inject millions into the region’s economy.

‘’What started thirty-two years ago as a once-off MTB marathon using trails cut through the Sappi plantations has grown over the years to a successful and sustainable year-round business model that drives millions of Rands in revenue into the club, local businesses and the tourism sector”, said Alex Thiel, Sappi Southern Africa CEO. 

This is what keeps people coming back

“What keeps people coming back to the Classic and Karkloof trails each year is primarily the 250km of world-class trails in the beautiful Karkloof valley and forests. Sappi strives to create shared value through our Trails Programme which includes flagship events like the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trails Festival. 

“These trails act like economic arteries which stimulate rural tourism, job creation and enterprise development.,” he said.

Sappi has invested more than R8.3 million into the event since 2013. Sappi Land provides the canvas for many of the routes.

This investment into the event allows the Karkloof Club to direct significant capital into ongoing trail development and into projects that have a positive social impact on local communities. 

The resultant ongoing investment in building and developing trails has been a catalyst for the greater Karkloof Club as it enhances the trail offering which is now enjoyed by 1,400 members and attracts over 11,000 visitors throughout the year. 

Sappi has worked closely with the Club on steadily creating a network which has been ranked number one in South Africa by TREAD Magazine on two occasions.

Karkloof trails supporting jobs

A Business Impact Study conducted by the Sappi Trails Programme in partnership with uMngeni Tourism in 2022 showed that the Sappi Karkloof Trails support 503 jobs directly and 3,080 jobs indirectly in the uMngeni municipal area. 

“This is further supported by an earlier study by KZN Tourism which estimated that the combined economic impact of visitors to the Karkloof Trails totaled an impressive R231 million per year,” they declare.

To further improve the trails and help achieve Sappi’s support for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a cornerstone of Sappi’s business strategy and that of the Sappi Trails Programme, Sappi has also initiated and invested in programmes such as the Karkloof Adventure Tourism Incubator (ATI). 

“The ATI is designed to offer trail construction training and apprenticeship opportunities to unemployed youth, as well as to the skilled Nguni Trails team, who are behind the meticulously crafted and well-kept trails that are beloved by users and participants of the Sappi Karkloof Classic,” a release declares.

Another key part of Sappi’s innovative approach to sustainable forestry is providing access to unplanted landholdings preserved for biodiversity. Sappi has agreed with the Karkloof Club to manage the Karkloof Falls and to build this into their offering to members and visitors. 

The SA Marathon Championships are being held on Sunday in conjunction with the two-day Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival at Karkloof Country Club, and the 2022 champion sees three riders as the main protagonists in the fight for the 2024 men’s title.

SA MTB Marathon Championship title on the line

Buys’ favourite to claim the title – both from his head and his heart – is his PYGA Euro Steel teammate and KZN local Michael Foster, who cruised to a huge win in 2023, although there will be a much stronger field in the national championships this time out.

Buys is recovering from a knee injury and has opted not to ride, but sees his teammate as the man to beat.

“I wish I could be there again, but I have got a knee injury that is not coming right, so I am not going to race. It is starting to get better but I’m obviously not in shape for it yet,” said the multiple SA Champion. 

“But I think the quickest guy will be Michael Foster

“I think to me currently, if you look at how the guys are riding, the favourites are Tristan Nortje, Marco Joubert or Michael, and I think Michael will win it.

“I would like Michael obviously as a teammate, but I think he is a genuine contender. He won SA Cross Country Champs a few weeks ago and Marco was there, and I think if Michael knows the course then he is dangerous. He’s got the power and from what I know he has been looking at the course so he will be able to keep up in the trails.

“He is a definite favourite for me, especially at Karkloof.”

Gravel Championships standouts ones to watch

Buys also feels the top riders in the recent SA Gravel Championships could be in the mix, but expects them to struggle in the the technical sections.

“The gravel guys could be in contention. Marc (Pritzen) did well there last time in 2022, but it’s not a gravel race. The sections between the trails and single track lean towards gravel, but obviously there is a lot of climbing and then lots of technical downhill in there. I definitely can’t exclude the guys who did well at the SA Gravel Champs, but I do think this is more of a pure mountain bike course.”

The women’s event also has a strong field with a bunch of riders in contention.

KZN hopes will be pinned on rising star Tyler Jacobs, who is showing all the signs of becoming one of the sport’s future stars, but she will face some stiff competition from a host of experienced rivals.

Danielle Strydom won the SA Gravel Championships recently, while Sarah Hill and Sam Sanders have the pedigree to claim the title. 

MTB championships has ideal venue

Buys believes the Karkloof venue is ideal to host a national championships.

“I think for me it’s a super scenic part of the country, so you know even if you’re not racing it’s really a nice area to be in,” he said. “Wherever we race a SA Champs it is going to be hard.

“I have not really studied the details for this year, but from what I have heard it is similar to what we did in 2022 … and anything in Karkloof is a worthy course for SA Champs. I think anything they put together in Karkloof is going to have a good balance.”

The weekend is however not just about the elite mountain bikers. 

The main attraction this year at the Sappi Karkloof Trail Festival is the 85km elite races on Sunday, however, all age-group national titles from youth and junior up to grandamasters will be awarded in distances varying from 40km, to 60km up to the 85km long event. 

The 20km MTB race caters for the younger sprog, nipper and sub-juniors but they are not championship categories, while there is also a 10km fun ride and 9km fun trail run on Sunday. On Saturday the 21km and 9km trail run will provide racing conditions for runners of all ability.

Additional copy provided by Gameplan Media and written by Tim Whitfield.

Both the men’s and women’s defending champions, Matt Beers and Candice Lill respectively, have overseas racing commitments which opens up the field. However, last weekend’s SA Gravel Champs showed there is plenty of talent waiting to step onto the podium, with Danielle Strydom heading the women’s field for Karkloof.

Danielle Strydom and Matt Beers favourites for SA MTB Marathon Championships

Last weekend the 25-year-old from Potchefstroom edged ahead in the King Price Race to the Sun as the leading women’s bunch approached the line, to claim victory in her first “proper” gravel race and establish herself as probably the rider to beat in Karkloof.

“Yes I am over the moon,” said Strydom when describing her recent win. “It was quite a surprise actually. I’ve done a few gravel races before, but they have always been on my mountain bike, so this was the first gravel race that I did on a proper gravel bike, so I didn’t really know what to expect going into it.

“But it ended up being a quite a good upgrade,” said the Efficient Infiniti Insurance rider with a laugh.

What about her chances of two South African title in two weeks?

“I would say it’s never a given. I was very lucky to have a successful weekend last weekend, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.

“It was only in the last kilometres when the race sorted itself out, so it’s not to say that I just broke away and I was gone for the whole race.

“It was super cool that there was such tight racing and I don’t think that the SA Champs at Sappi Karkloof Festival is going to be anything different.

“I think the game is going to be lifted if anything. I am definitely going to try and use last weekend as motivation, and it has given me good confidence going into it, but I definitely won’t be letting my guard down, that is for sure.”

Staying sharp

Strydom knows how quickly success can turn onto disappointment in mountain bike races and her last experience at Karkloof is a strong reminder.

“I have ridden Karkloof before,I did the SA Champs two years ago when unfortunately I had a very bad mechanical with a chain break and I lost the bunch early on.

She added: “I do remember the route being quite tough and it was a long day on the bike.

“I think we are doing 86 kays this year, so it’s going to be proper racing – so not easy with a lot of climbing.

“But I also know those trails are actually amazing, so I think we’re in for a great treat.”

And who will she be watching closely as she battles for a second SA title?

“My teammate Sam (Sanders) is for sure one I will be keeping an eye on,” said Strydom. “Sarah Hill is also always a strong competitor and Tyler Jacobs – it is her home turf and she is such a strong rider, so she is definitely someone to be wary of.”

With five of the top six from last weekend’s gravel champs already entered, the women’s race looks to be a tight battle. Others in the mix include Hayley Preen, as well as other top KZN locals, Joanna van de Winkel and Hayley Smith.

Karkloof Classic Trail Festival weekend

The Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival weekend features two-days of trail sport. On Saturday runners have 21km and 9km trail runs. Then on Sunday, the mountain bikers have a choice of distances that includes the 85km championship event (for elite or licensed riders only) as well as 60km, 40km, 20km and 10km distances, while a 9km fun trail run will also be held on Sunday.

The 60km and 40km distances will be the national championship events for the various age-group riders, ranging from youth up to grand masters. Nippers, sprogs and sub juniors must compete in the 20km non-championships event.

All entries are via ROAG at ROAG.org.

sani2c is now a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Category 2 marathon stage race and points are allocated per rider – which means that each rider from the first team across the line will be awarded 80 points to their UCI ranking. 

Andrew Houston says they have developed a challenging 16km prologue route with 416 metres of climbing: “I think we have delivered some ‘sani spice’ for the prologue. It has less signature sani2c flowy trails than riders are used to, and more rocky and technical cattle trails, with some punchy climbs.

“We climb to the top of the koppie above Glencairn, and around Chep dam, and there is a beautiful section along the Pholela River. There is some beautiful gum tree singletrack, some pine tree singletrack, and we have included some signature sani2c bridges” 

Spectators can enjoy the action at Glencairn Farm from 14:30 on Wednesday.

Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning the pair to beat

Insect Science’s Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning are top contenders for the sani2c 2024 title, but the PYGA Euro Steel team is returning with a four-rider team – Phil Buys and Pieter du Toit will certainly challenge the Insect Science skill and experience. 

Also with PYGA Euro Steel is Michael Foster, the Ixopo local who grew up volunteering at sani2c with his school, who will ride with Jaedon Terlouw.

Pieter du Toit, who rejoined the team this year, is feeling strong after a good Absa Cape Epic with Buys.

He says: “It’s amazing being back with the team, I was with them for five years, then away for a couple of years. It would be great to take a sani2c win with Philip this year, we came second together before. The whole team is strong, with Michael and Jaedon, that will be a big dice as well.” 

Phil Buys says: “I always enjoy partnering with Pieter, he is serious enough to race and work hard, but also lighthearted enough that when things do go wrong and not according to plan, it still remains fun. Pieter has definitely matured a lot as a rider. He has always had real grit and “vasbyt”, and now he has the legs, so it makes for a lethal competitor who I am glad to have in my camp.”

Arno du Toit says it is a pity the field is not as deep as it usually is, but the positive side is that it opens doors for the hungry youngsters to step up and make a name for themselves.

He says: “PYGA having two teams, with four really strong riders, will mean that they have a lot of cards to play, a great advantage in a race like sani2c; it could get tactical really quickly. I do think having done this a few times we’ll know what’s coming, try to race aggressively accordingly, and be ready to leave everything out there.”

Terlouw and Foster, as Under-23 riders, will be strong contenders for the Young Guns category, but youngsters Jean-Pierre du Plessis and Lood Goosen (Flying Young Guns), both riding their first sani2c having turned 18, were first and second placed at the Western Cape U23 XCO and XCM respectively, and are looking to make their mark.

Goosen achieved a 14th place overall at Tankwa Trek earlier this year, his first stage race. 

Du Plessis says he and Goosen know each other’s strengths and weaknesses as they have been competing against each other for four years, but this is the first time they will partner: “I believe the race will be a tactical battle due to the nature of the route and the high average speed on certain sections.”

Tshenolo Adventure Racers, fielding teams in the men’s and women’s categories, have Zola Ngxakeni and Thabiso Rengane racing for the men.

The Tshenolo AR team is fresh from racing the Mountain Mammoth AR, but have a depth of mountain biking experience.

Rengane is a two-time Cape Epic finisher, though he has not been stage racing since 2019.

Ngxakeni has done five Epics and this is his third sani2c, so Rengane says he is looking to Ngcakeni’s knowledge of the route: “I’m back, and will rely on Zola’s experience. I love singletrack and he is a beast on the single track, so I will be hanging on his wheels.”   

Ngxakeni is pleased to be racing again having joined Tshenolo AR since moving to Joburg: “Great to be back on the bike. Having a prologue start at sani2c will be interesting, and we are looking forward to some fast racing. Thabiso has a strong road and mountain bike background, and we will complement each other nicely.”

Sam Sanders and Danielle Strydom (Efficient Infiniti Insure). Image: Supplied

In the women’s race, Sam Sanders is partering with Danielle Strydom (Efficient Infiniti Insurance), a strong pairing where Sanders’ experience and multiple sani2c wins will stand them in good stead. After a disappointing 2023 sani2c last year where illness saw her withdraw on day 1, Strydom is keen to do well for her new team. 

She says: “I think my form is good. I had a break after Epic and training has gone well, so I am very excited to partner with one of the most experienced riders out there. Coming from a rocky Epic, it will be great to be on the smooth trails of sani2c again.” 

Sanders is always effusive in her praise of the sani2c experience: “My favourite thing about sani2c is hands down the Umko drop. It blows my mind every year. I’m excited to ride it each year, and each year I love it!”

Hayley Smith and Janice Venter pair up as team Bell Equipment. Venter says: “There are not a lot of races where we can gain UCI points to improve our overall standing. This will definitely help with the future of racing in SA. I love sani2c. I have only done one, but I also rode the route as part of the last Joberg2c. The entire race, and the people behind the scenes are amazing, and so friendly. My form is good and I’m as strong as I can be. My partnership with Hayley is new, but I’m so excited to ride with her as she is an amazing woman, and super strong.”

Smith took 10th place overall with Sarah Hill at Cape Epic last month, winning the African Jersey. Having won the mixed category at sani2c last year, she will be confident of her knowledge of the route: “I am looking forward to teaming up with Janice at one of my favourite races on the calendar.” 

Tania Bugarin Ortiz will team up with Refilwe Mogorosi for Tshenolo AR team.

Shaun-Nick Bester, who coaches Bugarin Ortiz and the Tshenolo AR team, suggested the pairing in order for them both to race with the best in the UCI elite field, to gain experience and UCI points.

Bugarin Ortiz has had a good racing season so far in her usual XCO discipline, but has been training to do more marathon and stage racing.

This will be her first stage race and looks forward to riding the famous Unitrans Iconic Climb, feeling the amazing vibe of the communities, learning and gaining great experience.

Debut sani2c

This will be Mogorosi’s first UCI race and first sani2c, though she does have stage racing experience. 

Frances Janse van Rensburg raced her first sani2c in 2020 with Kim Le Court, where they finished third.

She returns to ride with former semi-pro rider Bianca Haw, who has not raced for seven years.

Haw is sani2c founder ‘Farmer’ Glen’s daughter, and working as part of the family organising the event, she was never available to race sani2c.

Van Rensburg says her coach Johann Wykerd suggested Haw as a stage race partner.

“I’ve always looked up to her, ever since I started cycling, so it is a big privilege to race with her now. I decided at the end of last year to shift focus from road racing in Europe to marathon and gravel here in SA. I am feeling strong, I have done some hard events like Tankwa Trek and the Berg 100, and all my training has been focused on this race. I’m excited to see what we can do.”

“I have had to work at sani2c, since I have been old enough to work”, laughs Haw, “but this year when Johann asked me to ride with Frances and I asked my dad, he said to me: ‘I guess your days of working at sani2c are all done,’ so now I can race. I have had six weeks to train, so I think I may be hanging on to Frances.”

The sani2c prologue is on 24 April, and the race finishes in Scottburgh on Saturday, 27 April after a further 265km of trails through KwaZulu-Natal farmlands, rural areas, game reserve and indigenous forests. 

For more information visit www.sani2c.co.za

Follow The South African website for the latest news from this year’s sani2c race.

Van de Winkel collected four trophies after Sunday’s road race as she made up for the disappointment of finishing second in Saturday’s 40km mountain bike race.

Josh Rheeders wins aQuellé Tour Durban cycle race, Joanna van de Winkel dominates women’s race

Not only did the Sandton City Cycle Nation rider just beat her team mate, Lisa Bone, into second position overall in the women’s race, but she also edged her into the runner up position in the CMH Nissan King of the Mountain competition and the CMH Renault Sprint, and they were both integral members of the winning squad in the Gooderson Leisure Team Competition.

For good measure, Van de Winkel also finished just outside the top ten overall as she defended her road race title, with Bone just a couple of positions further back.

“It was lovely to race today with my teammate Lisa from Joburg,” said Van de Winkel soon after crossing the line. “And we both finished in the front bunch.”

Taking charge

The diminutive Van de Winkel was often near the front of the leading bunch and never let the leading men dominate the action.

“It is always good to stay out of trouble and be near the front, and to feel you are part of the racing and contribute to the attacks and moves in the front – and to show the guys that women are also strong,” she added with a smile.

“It was so much fun riding with the men. Just the speed – we averaged over 40 kays an hour – and you have to keep your attention the whole time because there is always something going on.

“I was quite disappointed after the mountain bike. I thought I had won on Saturday, but when we went off track, I did not know where I was when I joined again. So that was a bit disappointing, but today made up for it.”

aQuellé Tour Durban cycle race goes down to the wire

Rheeders from the Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team, was a dominant force in the lead group. He got into what looked to be the race-winning break on the final lap, but despite being caught by the chasing bunch, he still timed his finishing sprint to perfection to come out of the group to claim his first Tour Durban win.

“I am very happy with this win,” said Rheeders. “It was very tactical today. There was one team with six riders and they were kind of messing us around all race.

“I was in a move on the last lap and then it all came back together, so I then sat in until the sprint and I took it from a long way out as we hit the descent. With the tailwind, I was able to carry it to the finish.”

In the CMH Renault Sprint competition, Marius Coutaud won and was second in the final two sprints to claim the title over Michael Rowland, with Thabiso Rengane third. The CMH Nissan King of the Mountain competition was won by Durban local Brent Yelland whose first, second and third positions at the respective KOM points earned him a comfortable win over Marius Coutaud with Rowland third.

The Gooderson Leisure Team Competition proved to be incredibly tight, with the two leading teams both having four riders in the lead bunch, which meant there was just one second between overall and mixed winners Sandton City Cycle Nation and the runners up Bio Plus.

Results

110km Men
1 Josh Rheeders 2:39:10.041
2 Grant Van Der Walt 2:39:10.736
3 Thabiso Rengane 2:39:11.109
4 Matome Machaba 2:39:11.441
5 Shane Daniel 2:39:11.612
6 Lorenzo Lotz 2:39:11.793
7 Brian Brummer 2:39:11.930
8 Warren Moolman 2:39:12.049
9 Oliver Williams 2:39:12.112
10 Wesley Phipson 2:39:12.259

Women
1 Joanna Van De Winkel 2:39:12.947
2 Lisa Bone 2:39:14.230
3 Ainsli De Beer 2:51:12.770
4 Kristy Herridge 2:51:13.513
5 Rene Cornelius 2:51:17.449

CMH Nissan King of the Mountain
Men
1 Brent Yelland (40, 38, 39) 117
2 Marius Coutaud (36, 37, 37) 110
3 Michael Rowland (37, 36, 36) 109
4 Josh Rheeders (27, 39, 40) 106
5 Matome Machaba (39, 22, 38) 99

Women
1 Joanna Van De Winkel (24, 26, 30) 80
2 Lisa Bone (11, 24, 31) 66

CMH Renault Sprint
Men
1 Marius Coutaud (31, 40, 39) 110
2 Michael Rowland (37, 36, 34) 107
3 Thabiso Rengane (36, 33, 36) 105
4 Daniyal Matthews (38, 37, 24) 99
5 Matome Machaba (28, 32, 33) 93

Women
1 Joanna Van De Winkel (33, 25, 37) 95
2 Lisa Bone (11, 38, 38) 87

Gooderson Leisure Team Competition
1 Sandton City Cycle Nation (Brian Brummer; Joanna Van De Winkel; Martin Hillermann; Michael Rowland & Lisa Bone) 10:36:53 (1st Mixed)
2 Bio Plus (Grant Van Der Walt; Lorenzo Lotz; Brandon Waugh; Donovan van Gelder & Nathan Foster) 10:36:54
3 Bio Burn (Jason Lowe; Angus Mcfarlane; Bonfas Mbuso Mhlongo; Cedric Olivier & Peter Comrie) 02:44:45
4 Burg Wheelers Cruzers (Willem De Wet; Michael Adey; Danie Van Huyssteen; Dave Bure & Sean Stanton) 11:24:59

The 40km race, which started and finished near Cornubia Mall, was dominated by White and riders he coaches, and he led home a DriveTrain Academy clean-sweep of the top four positions. Josh Paul ended second, just over two minutes behind, with pre-race favourite and defending champion Daniel van der Watt third, and Luke Pretorius fourth. Deon Verwey completed the five-rider podium and was the only rider not wearing the distinctive green colours.

Tour Durban MTB women’s race produces shock

The women’s race was also a triumph for DriveTrain, with young Madison Bateson, riding the 40km for the first time after winning the 20km last year, produced the shock of the day. She edged out last year’s winner, Sandton City Cycle Nation’s Joanna Van De Winkel.

Van de Winkel was leading until she missed a turn marker and was never able to make up about three minutes she lost in the race to the finish.

White, and three youngsters – Paul, Van der Watt and Josh Johnson – made an early break before Van der Watt managed to eke out a small advantage. Johnson punctured, reducing the chasing trio to White and Paul, who managed to get ahead of the defending champion over the second half of the course.

Paul was not able to hold the pace of his coach in the race to the line and he ended up two minutes behind, with Van der Watt just over two minutes further back. Pretorius held off a chasing Verwey to keep the DriveTrain on track for their 1-2-3-4 sweep.

“It is such a nice race,” said White after crossing the line. “It is a hard race and a bit of a different kind of race because you are hard on the pedals the whole way. My average power for the ride is really high.”

Trail run

In the trail run at the same venue, Ewoud Grobler and Nokukhanya Meyiwa proved too strong for their rivals in the 20km event and they wrote a small piece of history by winning the first event aQuellé Tour Durban Trail titles.

Both Grobler and Meyiwa emerged as relatively comfortable winners in the event which was included in the aQuellé Tour Durban weekend for the first time. Grobler beat Fazel Ally
and Siduduza Ntshayintshay for the victory, while Annie Dupre and Thandeka Ngetu claimed the lowers steps of the podium in the women’s race.

Sunday’s racing moves onto the tar with the main event, the 110km aQuellé Tour Durban road race, taking place predominantly on the M4 between Moses Mabhida Stadium and Mdloti.

A rush of late entries from a sprinkling of elite riders means the racing up front looks like being super quick. Josh Rheeders was one of the late entries and he will have to be watched closely by other pre-race favourites that include Michael Rowland, Cameron Wright, Deno van Heerden, Warren Moolman, Brett and Sean Yelland and William Piat from Mauritius.

The women’s race is likely to be dominated by three-time winner Van de Winkel who will be keen to make up for her shock defeat on Saturday.

The elite riders leave at 6.15am from Moses Mabhida and slower riders are likely to be finishing until 1pm at the same venue.

Selected off-road results – Saturday

aQuellé Tour Durban MTB powered by Cycle Lab
MTB 40km
1 Tyronne White 01:20:39
2 Joshua Paul 01:22:56
3 Daniel Van Der Watt 01:25:20
4 Luke Braedon Pretorius 01:30:40
5 Deon Verwey 01:32:30

Women
1 Madison Bateson 01:32:39
2 Joanna Van De Winkel 01:36:48
3 Jackie Church 01:58:21
4 Kylie Harborth 02:02:14
5 Michelle Forman 02:02:30

Gravel
Men
1 Siyabonga Khumalo 02:06:17
2 Peet Balfour 02:09:58
3 David Douglas 02:15:54
4 Wilhelm Tesnaar 02:21:14
5 Billy Paterson 02:23:27

Women
1 Sandra Paterson 02:23:27
2 Stephani-Lauren Rowles 02:36:27
3 Sindy Singleton 02:59:34

MTB 20km
Men
1 Asibonge Buleni 01:02:21
2 Adam Brandt 01:05:55
3 Brian Ntokozo Ngcoya 01:10:08
4 Aphelele Mavudla 01:10:46
5 Sphephelo Dlamini 01:10:48

Women
1 Lezaan Gerber 01:13:36
2 Lindiwe Gumede 01:14:58
3 Colbi Chiesman 01:15:13
4 Kanyisa James 01:15:21
5 Rebecca Froneman 01:19:50

aQuellé Tour Durban Trail results
20km Men
1 Ewoud Grobler
2 Fazel Ally
3 Siduduza Ntshayintshay
4 Brett Campbell
5 Ismail Abdoolrahim

Women
1 Nokukhanya Meyiwa
2 Annie Dupre
3 Thandeka Ngetu
4 Nicole van Metzinger
5 Nikita Goveia

The 78-year-old, commonly considered the greatest cyclist of all time, was taken to hospital on March 26 by his wife after complaining of intestinal pain.

Diagnosed with a blocked intestine he was operated on, Merckx – nicknamed ‘The Cannibal’ – told the journal he had been in agony.

Eddy Merckx, who returned home to recuperate after several days in hospital, lost a lot of weight following the operation but his condition is not considered to be life-threatening.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Melissa Hoskins, a retired track cyclist who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, died in an Adelaide hospital in late December from serious injuries.

The bailed Dennis, 33, made no plea when he faced Adelaide Magistrates Court, court documents showed.

The magistrate adjourned Dennis’s case until August 6 to allow the prosecution to prepare its brief and to determine what charges to press, the court papers said.

Prosecutors had asked for time to complete a reconstruction of the event, Australian media said.

Rohan Dennis was charged with “causing death by dangerous driving”

Following his wife’s death, police had charged Dennis with “causing death by dangerous driving” and “driving without due care and endangering life”.

Hoskins, 32 at the time of her death, rode in the Australian team that won the team pursuit event at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships in France.

Rohan Dennis won the world time trials in 2018 and 2019, as well as a 2015 stage win in the Tour de France.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

One of those was Cape Town-born Reg Bamford.

Bamford, now 56, took on the challenge of the 109km route, crossing the finish line in a time of 5:56:28 according to the official SportSplits tracking app.

When he’s not putting his foot to the pedal, Bamford is an internationally renowned name in the sport of croquet.

Bamford has dominated world croquet in recent decades, having first competed at the highest level in the mid-1980s.

He is the only player to have won both versions of the World Championships (Golf Croquet and Association Croquet) and held both titles simultaneously in 2013.

Bamford has won the Association Croquet World Croquet Championship five times (2001, 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2020), and the WCF World Golf Croquet Championship twice (2013 and 2017).

He has won the British AC Open Championship 12 times and the British GC Open Championship 12 times, the premier events in the UK of each code. 

He was ranked 29th in the 100 Best Sportspeople in the World for the year 2020 by Sports Media.

Off the sporting field, Bamford is a qualified Chartered Accountant having completed his articles at Deloitte South Africa in 1992.

He went on to establish Sable International, a company that offers services to expats and high-net-worth individuals.

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was also among the tens of thousands of cyclists to tackle Sunday’s 46th edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, also took to the start line to complete a tour of the peninsula, as did two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok star, Damian Willemse.

DID YOU TAKE PART IN THE 2024 CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR?

If so, let us know how it went by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest Cape Town Cycle Tour news.

Hill-Lewis took on the challenge of the 109km route and was entered in the E-Bikes category.

The 37-year-old completed the race in 6:39:02, according to the official SportSplits tracking app.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, post-race, Hill-Lewis said he was “chuffed”, adding: “My very first @CTCycleTour done! 109 beautiful and often grueling kilometers. Thank you for all the wonderful support along the route. You really helped in some of the tougher sections.”

Meanwhile, Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, a regular cyclist and Cape Town Cycle Tour participant, finished this year’s 109km race in a time of 5:33:58.

As reported by The South African website, South Africa’s Kent Main won the men’s elite race.

Main, 28, crossed the line in a time of 2:31:21.

Charlie Aldridge of Great Britain finished second, 14 seconds behind, with South Africa’s Alan Hatherly in third.

Earlier, the women’s elite race was won by 28-year-old South African Tiffany Keep.

The women’s elite race was contested over 78km.

Did you take part in the 2024 Cape Town Cycle Tour?

If so, let us know how it went by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest Cape Town Cycle Tour news.

This year’s race will be the 46th edition.

In addition to the ‘standard’ 109km race, there will once again be a 42km route this year.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the tens of thousands of cyclists who will take part, several roads will be closed on race day.

For a full list, click HERE

The race will start at 06:00

The women’s elite race covering 78km will start in Fish Hoek at 06:05 with the men’s elite race over 109km starting at 06:15 in the Grand Parade precinct in lower Strand street.

The last group will go off at 08:57.

The 42km race will begin at 10:00.

In terms of the all-important weather forecast, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted clear skies throughout the race with a minimum morning temperature in the CBD of 18 degrees Celsius.

The wind will be in a south-southeast direction and will peak at 28km/h.

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

FOLLOW THE ACTION LIVE

SEEDING AND START TIMES

Main, 28, crossed the line in an unofficial time of 2:31:21.

Charlie Aldridge of Britain finished second, 14 seconds behind, with South Africa’s Alan Hatherly in third.

The men’s elite race covered 109km.

Earlier, the women’s elite race was won by South Africa’s Tiffany Keep.

The women’s elite race was contested over 78km.

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

Keep, 23, crossed the line in a record time of 2:12.01.

S’annara Grove (South Africa) took second place with Namibia’s Vera Looser rounding out the podium.

The women’s elite race covered 78km.

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

With just hours to go (at the time of publishing), entrants will be keeping an eagle eye on the weather forecast for race day – especially the wind!

In addition to the ‘standard’ 109km race, there will once again be a 42km route this year.

This year’s edition will be the 46th of all time.

While the weather conditions earlier in the week looked favourable for fast times, the latest forecast for those lining up at the start is that the wind will be a factor.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has published its forecast for every point on the 109km route as the race makes its way around the peninsula.

SAWS has predicted clear skies throughout the race with a minimum morning temperature in the CBD of 18 degrees Celsius.

The wind will be in a south-southeast direction and will peak at 40km/h at various points on the route.

Sunrise over the Mother City is at 06:42 meaning the early starters will get racing in the dark.

Meanwhile, do you know someone taking part that you would like to follow?

If so, this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour will offer real-time race tracking by providing live results via the SportSplits tracker.

To track a rider, click HERE to download the tracking app.

NOTE: Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the tens of thousands of cyclists who will take part, several roads will be closed on race day.

For a full list, click HERE

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

SEEDING AND START TIMES

NOTE: This is an updated article with the latest available weather forecast

With just 48 hours to go (at the time of publishing), entrants will be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for race day – especially the wind!

This year’s edition will be the 46th.

In addition to the ‘standard’ 109km race, there will once again be a 42km route this year.

While the weather conditions earlier in the week looked favourable for fast times, the latest forecast for those lining up at the start is that the wind may well be a factor.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted clear skies throughout the race with a minimum morning temperature in the CBD of 18 degrees Celsius.

The wind will be in a south-southeast direction and will peak at 28km/h.

Sunrise over the Mother City is at 06:42 meaning the early starters will get racing in the dark.

The South African website will publish updated weather conditions for race day across the peninsula when available.

Meanwhile, do you know someone taking part that you would like to follow?

If so, this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour will offer real-time race tracking by providing live results via the SportSplits tracker.

To track a rider, click HERE to download the tracking app.

NOTE: Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the tens of thousands of cyclists who will take part, several roads will be closed on race day.

For a full list, click HERE

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

SEEDING AND START TIMES

This year’s edition will be the 46th.

In addition to the ‘standard’ 109km race, there will also once again be a 42km route this year.

Do you know someone taking part that you would like to follow?

If so, this year’s Cape Town Cycle Tour will offer real-time race tracking by providing live results via the SportSplits tracker.

To track a rider, click HERE to download the tracking app.

NOTE: Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.

Meanwhile, to accommodate the tens of thousands of cyclists who will take part, several roads will be closed on race day.

For a full list, click HERE

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

SEEDING AND START TIMES

In addition to the ‘standard’ 109km race, there will also once again be a 42km route this year.

To accommodate the tens of thousands of cyclists who will take part, several roads will be closed on race day.

For a full list, click HERE

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

SEEDING AND START TIMES

Both the 42km race (introduced in 2023) and the 109km event will be held on Sunday, 10 March.

In addition, organisers of the race have requested that all residents in Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay and Sea Point (including Victoria Road and Beach Road) do not park along the Main Road and instead to use alternative side roads or designated parking areas.

Click HERE for the full list of road closures

This list is provisional and subject to change.

The South African website wishes ALL Cape Town Cycle Tour participants a safe an enjoyable ride. Here’s wishing the wind is always at your back!

Saturday, 9 March 2024

Cape Town CBD

Castle Street between Strand Street & Darling Street: Saturday, 14h00 – Sunday, 16h00

Darling Street between Lower Plein & Buitenkant Street: Saturday, 15h00 – Sunday, 12h00

Corporation Street between Darling Street & Caledon Street: Saturday, 15h00 – Sunday, 12h00

Parade Street between Darling Street & Caledon Street: Saturday, 15h00 – Sunday, 12h00

Strand Street & Newmarket Street between Lower Plein Street & Russel Road: Saturday, 21h00 – Sunday, 16h00

Nelson Mandela Boulevard incoming Strand Street off-ramp: Saturday, 19h00 – Sunday, 16h00

Green Point

Helen Suzman Boulevard from Beach Road to Traffic Circle (City-bound carriageway): Saturday, 14h00 – Sunday, 21h00

Noordhoek, Hout Bay

Chapman’s Peak Drive (M6) and Noordhoek Road (M6) to Princess Street: Saturday, 18h00 – Sunday, 18h00

Sunday, 10 March 2024

Cape Town CBD

Strand Street & Newmarket Street between Adderley Street & Russel Road: 04h00 – 16h00

Buitenkant Street between Darling Street & Caledon Street: 04h00 – 12h00

Sir Lowry Road between Canterbury Street & Christiaan Barnard Boulevard: 04h00 – 09h00

Hanover Street between Darling & Tennant Street: 04h00 – 09h00

Adderley Street (from Strand – Riebeek): 07h00 – 16h00

Riebeek Street (Westbound – between Adderley & Long Street): 07h00 – 16h00

Riebeek Street (Full Closure – between Long & Loop streets): 07h00 – 16h00

Riebeek Street (Eastbound – between Bree & Buitengracht Street): 07h00 – 16h00

Long Street – (closed at Riebeek Street): 07h00 – 16h00

Loop Street – (closed at Riebeek Street): 07h00 – 16h00

Somerset road – (one lane closure between Buitengracht & Ebenezer Street): 10h00 – 15h00

Darling Street between Adderley Street & Lower Plein Street: 04h00 – 12h00

Lower Plein Street between Strand Street and Darling Street: 04h00 – 12h00

Woodstock, University

Estate Philip Kgosana Drive (M3) – Outbound between Roodebloem Road and Hospital Bend

Traffic will be diverted to Main Road: 05h30 – 12h30

CBD, Woodstock

Nelson Mandela Boulevard (N2) Eastbound: 05h30 – 12h30

Hospital Bend (N2, M3) Interchange

Settlers Way (N2) to Muizenberg, (M3) ramp (Southbound): 05h30 – 12h30

M3 on-ramp from Groote Schuur Hospital: 05h30 – 12h30

(Anzio Road – Southbound): 05h30 – 12h30

Mowbray, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont, Bishopscourt

M3 (Rhodes Drive, Union Avenue, Paradise Road,Edinburgh Drive) Southbound – Including all on-ramps between Nelson Mandela Boulevard up to Trovato Link: 06h00 – 13h30

Wynberg, Constantia, Tokai

M3 Freeway (Blue Route) – Southbound, including all on ramps between Trovato Link and Steenberg Road: 06h00 – 13h30

Tokai

Steenberg Road (M42) – M3 off-ramp to Main Road: 06h15 – 12h30

Tokai, Lakeside

Main Road (M4) – Between Steenberg Road & Clairvaux Road: 06h15 – 12h30

False Bay Coast to Cape Point and Scarborough

Main Road (M4) – Clairvaux Road to Fish Hoek Traffic Circle: 05h45 – 12h50

Main Road (M4) – Fish Hoek Traffic Circle to Glen Road, Glencairn: 05h45 – 12h30

Main Road (M4) – Glen Road to Simon’s Town: 05h50 – 12h30

Main Road (M4) – Simon’s Town to entrance of Cape Point Nature Reserve: 06h00 – 14h00

Main Road (M4) – Entrance of Cape Point Nature Reserve (M4) to Perdekloof (M65): 06h15 – 14h00

Main Road (M4) – Perdekloof to Soetwater: 06h30 – 14h00

Cape Point, Scarborough, Kommetjie, Ocean View

Slangkop Road (M82) – Soetwater to Kommetjie Road (M65): 06h45 – 14h00

Wynberg, Constantia, Tokai

M3 Freeway inbound (Blue Route) – Southbound & Northbound, including all on-ramps between Steenberg Road and Trovato Link: 10h00 – 15h00

Mowbray, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont, Bishopscourt

M3 inbound (Rhodes Drive, Union Avenue, Paradise Road, Edinburgh Drive) – Including all on-ramps between Trovato Link up to Nelson Mandela Boulevard: 10h00 – 15h00

Hospital Bend (N2, M3) Interchange

M3 inbound to Settlers Way (N2) – Groote Schuur Hospital on ramp from M3, (Anzio Road – Northbound): 10h00 – 15h00

Nelson Mandela Boulevard (after top of Hospital Bend)

Nelson Mandela Boulevard Inbound – Including on ramps and off ramps between top of hospital bend to CBD: 10h00 – 15h00

Kommetjie, Ocean View, Masiphumelele

Kommetjie Road (M65) – Slangkop Road to Ou Kaapse Weg Extension: 06h45 – 14h00

Noordhoek, Sun Valley

Ou Kaapse Weg Extension (M64) – Kommetjie Road (M65) to Noordhoek Main Road: 06h45 – 15h00

Noordhoek, Sun Valley

Noordhoek Main Road (M6) – Ou Kaapse Weg Extension (M64) to base of Chapman’s Peak Drive: 06h45 – 15h00

Hout Bay, Llandudno, Camps Bay, Bakoven

Victoria Road (M6) – Northbound and Southbound, Princess Street, Hout Bay, to Camps Bay: 07h00 – 17h30

Camps Bay, Bantry Bay and Clifton

Victoria Road (M6) – Northbound and Southbound Between Houghton Road and Camps Bay Drive 07h00 – 17h30

Victoria Road (M6) Northbound and Southbound – Between Camps Bay Drive and The Meadway: 04h00 – 17h45

Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay

Victoria Road (M6) – North and Southbound – The Meadway to Lower Kloof Road: 07h30 – 18h00

Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay

Victoria Road (M6) – Northbound and Southbound, Lower Kloof Road to Queens Road, Sea Point: 07h30 – 17h45

Bantry Bay, Sea Point 

Queens Road (M6) – Victoria Road to Beach Road: 05h00 – 17h45

Sea Point, Green Point & Mouille Point

Beach Road (M6) – City bound carriageway, Queens Road Circle to St Johns Road :05h00 – 18h30

Beach Road (M6) – City bound carriageway, St Johns Road to Helen Suzman Boulevard (M6): 05h00 – 18h30

Beach Road and Beach Road towards Fritz Sonnenberg Road: 05h00 – 18h30

Green Point area

Fritz Sonnenberg Road between Beach Road and Granger Bay Boulevard, Green Point Circle. (Controlled Access point): 07h30 – 19h30

Green Point area

Bill Peters Drive at Bay Road – LOCAL ACCESS ONLY: Saturday, 14h00 – Sunday, 21h00

Green Point area

Helen Suzman Boulevard (M6) Eastbound from Beach Road to Green Point Traffic Circle: Saturday, 14h00 – Sunday, 21h00

Parking restrictions

Bakoven, Camps Bay

Victoria Road from Camps Bay to Seacliff Road: Midnight Sat, 9 Mar – 18h00 Sun, 10 Mar (both sides)

Sea Point

Beach Road from Queens Road to Beach Road (Mouille Point): Midnight Sat, 9 Mar – 18h00 Sun, 10 Mar (beach side only)

CBD

Darling, Strand, Adderley & Riebeek Street: Midnight Sat, 9 Mar – 18h00 Sun, 10 Mar (both sides)

The project is a fundraiser started by the pupils themselves to support the Sanctuary Project that carries out sterilisations on dogs and cats in the greater Upper Highway area, and has gathered momentum in the fledging school MTB training group run by experienced riders Amy-Jane Newcombe-Bond and Rose Owen.

Tour Durban’s young philanthropists

For the eager young riders the Covid-19 lockdowns robbed them of most of the events that they would have targeted, until the novice-friendly 20km aQuellé Tour Durban MTB ride was confirmed, with an age limit that paved the way for the primary school pupils to enter.

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“For most of them it will be their first race!” confirmed Owen. “Our training group ranges from Grade 3 to Grade 7 and there is a lot of excitement in the group for the aQuellé Tour Durban MTB ride, and a few nervous parents as well, I can tell you,” she added.

One of the training group is Nikita Wilson, who has been a committed fundraiser and volunteer for the Sanctuary Project, and quickly the idea of entering the 20km MTB took root as a group fund-raising effort.

“We initially set a target of raising R1500, but we passed that in the blink of an eye,” said Owen.

“We adjusted the target to R3000 and we have already passed that in a week so, almost unbelievably, we have now set our total at R6000.

“That will cover the costs of a lot of sterilisations in the valley, and, importantly the process of education that goes along with each visit,” said Owen.

READ: Tyronne White to give Tour Durban MTB challenge a crack despite a lack of prep

The ride will be the culmination of many months of training and fitness directed by the experienced MTB rider Newcombe-Bond, and with the added weight of the fund-raiser, it will be a landmark occasion for the primary school athletes.

“We will manage the ride in small bite-sized chunks, and to complete this ride will be such an achievement for these young men and women,” said Owen. “And every cent that is raised will help the Sanctuary Project help more dogs and cats”

This year’s race will take place on Sunday, 10 March.

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Cyclists are vulnerable road users and when motorists forget to share the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users, fatal or profoundly serious crashes can happen as witnessed over the past weekend along Chapman’s Peak Drive, when a cyclist was critically injured after a head on collision with a motorbike.

As reported by The South African website, the cyclist is currently in a critical condition in ICU after suffering head trauma.

Meanwhile, shortly before Christmas, a cyclist, who was out on a training ride around 05:00, was hit by an alleged drunk driver along the main road in Glencairn, Cape Town.

The driver has been charged with attempted murder, failing to stop at the scene of the crash and driving under the influence.

The accused is currently out on bail and the case, will proceed in the regional court in April. 

READ | Driver arrested after knocking down cyclists in Glencairn

The Pedal Power Association (PPA) always takes the view of “obey the law”.

It constantly appeals to cyclists to be mindful of other road users in congested areas and to always please ride in single file.

To establish mutual tolerance and respect amongst all road users, everyone on the roads need to adhere to the rules of road. 

“The road is a shared space where all road users have rights and responsibilities” explains CEO of the Pedal Power Association, Neil Robinson.

“Cycling is an important part of life in Cape Town and across South Africa – a growing number of us depend on it as a form of transport, while others enjoy their leisure time on a bike. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is an international event hosting cyclists from around the world and the country. As we welcome them back to Cape Town, we call on all Capetonians to help us make this a memorable and safe Cape Town Cycle Tour,” Robinson added. 

“As the Pedal Power Association, we view cycling as an important part of South Africa’s transport solution” says Robinson. 

“Our ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, asks drivers and cyclists to take steps to avoid incidents. In South Africa, bicycles are bound by the same laws, and courtesies as motor vehicles. Being considerate and alert on our roads is a shared responsibility.  “For motorists, the key thing is to give cyclists space when overtaking them, or wait until you can safely do so, and for cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and to obey the rules of the road and always cycle in single file,” explains Robinson.  

The Pedal Power Association reminds motorists to be on the lookout for cyclists and to avoid crashes by applying the following rules: 

• When turning left, indicate early that you are turning and always check behind your vehicle on your left for cyclists proceeding straight that you may cut off as you turn; 
• Don’t underestimate the speed of a cyclist approaching from the opposite direction, and don’t attempt to turn quickly in front of them. Cyclists travel at up to 30km/hour and even faster on a downhill; 
• Do not pass cyclists unless it is safe to do so. If having to wait behind cyclists a short hoot will alert them to your presence; 
• Give cyclists at least a metre when passing, and even more in wet weather. You may cross the white line if it is safe to do so when passing a cyclist. Cyclists may have to swerve unexpectedly to avoid an obstacle such as glass or a sewer hole that you as a motorist may not see; 
• Look out for cyclists before opening your door and exiting your car; 
• Do not park or stop in cycle lanes. It is illegal and puts cyclists in danger when passing your vehicle. 
• Always obey the rules of the road 

For cyclists remember the following: 

• Be visible: Wear bright clothing so that drivers can see you. Avoid cycling before sunrise and after sunset, but if you do ride after dark, always wear reflective gear and switch on your lights for extra visibility; 
• When turning, signal to drivers and make eye contact when possible. Ride in a straight, predictable line so that you don’t take drivers by surprise; 
• Check your bike: Before heading out, check your tyre pressure, and brakes to prevent a malfunction that could jeopardise your safety; 
• Ride in groups if possible: More cases of muggings and bike jackings are being reported daily. Connect with other cyclists on WhatsApp for your safety and join Pedal Power’s group training rides on Saturdays. 
• Avoid riding in the early morning. Many fatal hit-and-run crashes take place between 04h00 and 07h00. Also, avoid riding into the rising or setting sun – drivers may not see you. 
• If you can, wear an ICE (in case of emergency) bracelet or have some form of ID with you when out cycling. ICE bracelets have an emergency number should you need medical attention. Having ID also makes it easier to contact your next of kin if you are riding alone. 
• Don’t use your cell phone: It is illegal and unsafe, stop to take or make a call in an area safe to do so. 
• Report accidents and muggings to the SA Police Services and the Pedal Power Association https://pedalpower.org.za/crime-hotspots/. PPA is building a database of dangerous areas to constantly help improve safety and security. 
• Avoid hotspot areas if cycling alone. Lone cyclists are easy targets for criminals. 
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Riding with earphones is illegal and reduces awareness of what is happening around you. 
• Practice extra caution when approaching intersections and do not assume drivers will stop at traffic lights or stop streets. Slow down than be involved in an incident. 
• Always ride in single file and  obey the rules of the road.  

ALSO READ | Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis charged over wife’s death

On Monday, 19 February 2024, a cyclist was involved in a collision with a superbike, leaving the cyclist suffering from head trauma in hospital.

The cyclist has been identified as Brent Hubert.

According to the Primedia+ website, CEO of Pedal Power, Neil Robinson, shared an update on Hubert’s condition.

“He’s not well but he is stable with good vitals at the moment.”

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Robinson added that riders who were with Hubert at the time of the incident said that the motorcyclist came up Chapman’s Peak from the Noordhoek side and crossed a solid white line to overtake a beige Toyota Land Cruiser which resulted in the head-on collision.

Robinson said that authorities are looking for the owner of the Toyota Land Cruiser to provide a statement. 

The motorcyclist has not been identified at the time of publishing.

Stay Wider for the Rider – a group of cyclists who help keep fellow cyclists safe and hold motorists accountable to the speed limit of the area – published an update on social media on Tuesday morning regarding Hubert’s condition. 

The Chapman’s Peak area becomes increasingly populated around this time of the year as cyclists train for the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

This year’s race will take place on Sunday, 10 March.

Robinson concluded by saying that motorists and cyclists should exercise “tolerance”

“It comes down to behaviour, tolerance and respect. People are completely and utterly intolerable in this country. Let’s just change our attitude and our behaviour.”

ALSO READ | Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis charged over wife’s death

Sagan, now 33, retired from professional road cycling in late 2023.

He won 12 stages of the Tour de France as well as the green points jersey on seven occasions.

He also won four stages of the Vuelta a Espana and two on the Giro d’Italia.

READ | Remco Evenepoel ends speculation by staying at Soudal-Quick Step

In his Facebook video, Sagan said: “Hi everybody! I’m off to beautiful South Africa where I’ll spend a month of intense training on MTB! New year, new challenges and new goals! “

ALSO READ | Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard signs new Visma deal

If you spot Peter Sagan on the mountain bike trails in South Africa, let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest cycling news.

READ | Remco Evenepoel ends speculation by staying at Soudal-Quick Step

Melissa Hoskins, a retired track cyclist who represented Australia at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, died in hospital after suffering what police said were “serious injuries” on Saturday evening.

Her husband Dennis, 33, is a highly regarded former professional who won the world time trials in 2018 and 2019, as well as a 2015 stage win in the Tour de France.

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South Australia Police said a 33-year-old man, widely reported to be Rohan Dennis, had been charged with “causing death by dangerous driving” and “driving without due care and endangering life”.

“The driver is known to the woman,” police said, without confirming his name.

The international association of women cyclists said it was “shocked” to learn of Hoskins’s death.

“We send our thoughts to those who love her, starting with her children, and were lucky enough to ride with her during an all too short life,” CPA Women said on social media.

Hoskins, 32, rode in the Australian team that won the team pursuit event at the 2015 Track Cycling World Championships in France.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals company INEOS has already used its vast profits to fund a series of sporting projects in football, cycling, Formula One, athletics and sailing.

Below, a look at INEOS’s record.

Football

INEOS took control of French club Nice in 2019 in a reported 100 million euro ($110 million) deal.

Stated ambitions from Ratcliffe’s brother Bob, who heads INEOS’s football operations, to reach the Champions League within “three to five” years have not been realised yet, though they are second in Ligue 1 in the current campaign.

Despite the backing of one of Britain’s richest men, INEOS’s football projects have focused on developing young talent rather than splashing out on big transfer fees.

The company’s first foray into football was a takeover of Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport, in 2017.

It has been a bumpy ride, with two relegations and two promotions back to the top tier.

“We made some mistakes at Lausanne, but we are fast learners,” said Jim Ratcliffe when taking charge at Nice.

However, fiscal responsibility has been central to INEOS’s plans for Lausanne.

“Clubs need to be successful off the pitch, as well as on it,” said Ratcliffe.

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Cycling

INEOS invested in cycling in 2019 by taking over the British outfit Team Sky, which had dominated cycling.

Sky won the Tour de France six times between 2012 and 2018, with Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas in the saddle and Dave Brailsford pulling the strings.

Brailsford has since become INEOS’ director of sport, overseeing multiple projects.

Success at the Tour de France continued for the first year of Team INEOS as Colombian Egal Bernal claimed the yellow jersey in 2019.

However, despite boasting the biggest budget in cycling at around 50 million euros, INEOS have since been eclipsed by UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma.

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Formula One

INEOS took a one-third stake in Formula One team Mercedes in 2020.

However, after seven consecutive drivers’ world championships with Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg at the wheel, Mercedes have been usurped by Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

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Running

INEOS backed Eliud Kipchoge’s successful effort to become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in Vienna in 2019.

Kipchoge was aided by a group of pacemakers, working in shifts, to form a V-shaped aerodynamic drag position using expertise that INEOS gained from cycling’s peloton.

However, the feat was not recognised by athletics chiefs as a world record due to the conditions used to aid the Kenyan.

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Sailing

INEOS Britannia, led by four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie, will challenge for the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona after falling short in their aim of becoming the first-ever British winners in 2021.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Dane Vingegaard, 27, will remain at the Dutch outfit until 2028.

“I feel very much at home with this team,” Jonas Vingegaard said in a Visma-Lease a Bike statement on Thursday.

“And we are very successful with our approach.

“That’s why I’m happy to extend my contract again. My future is here, and I’m proud of it.”

READ | Remco Evenepoel ends speculation by staying at Soudal-Quick Step

The team’s American rider Sepp Kuss, who won last year’s Vuelta a Espana, has also extended his deal to 2027.

Visma-Lease a Bike also announced Belgian Wout van Aert will miss next year’s Tour to feature at the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta before September’s world championships.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Downes from Team TEG went one better than 2022, with the runner-up from the inaugural Underberg Gran Fondo riding the 140km route 20 minutes quicker this year to claim a deceptively large five-minute win over veteran Alex Pavlov (Northcliff Cycles).

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Underberg Gran Fondo goes down in chilly Southern Drakensberg

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Downes and Pavlov took control just before the race’s halfway mark when early leader Jaco van Dyk suffered a mechanical while leading. Van Dyk eventually crossed the line fourth, just behind young Durban Varsity rider Brent Yelland with Downes’ teammate Alwyn Steenkamp rounding out the top five.

“It was a tough day out there,” said Downes just after crossing the line. “We started on a climb, and there was a strong headwind, and there were a lot of attacks early on, so the field got whittled down quite quickly. Then we also had a few technical issues today: I dropped a chain, and my teammate, unfortunately, had an accident which put me on the back foot a bit.

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“Alex and I got ahead going into Coleford, just after the big descent. There was Jaco van Dyk from the Honeycomb Team just ahead, but we passed him on the side of the road – I think he suffered some mechanical, but I am not too sure what it was.

“From there, it was just about keeping it consistent and riding as steady as possible. I rode for a long time with Alex, and we were working really well together. I am a slightly stronger climber than him, and he is heavier than me, so he was helping on the downhills.

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“And then at the last big climb I had slightly better legs than him and from there just kept it steady until the end.”

In the women’s race, Van de Winkel had to overcome a few challenges of her own to claim victory eventually. Still, the national team road rider enjoys adding off-road racing to her repertoire.

Taking to the discipline

The KZN-based Sandton City Cycle Nation rider recently won the first ever off-road race she participated in when she was victorious in the aQuellé Tour Durban MTB and has now won the first gravel race she entered.

Hayley Smith (Bell) claimed second after Janse van Rensburg opted to withdraw with lower back pain.

“I think it was the hardest ride I have ever done,” said the petite race winner as she sipped her post-race hot chocolate drink. 

“The crosswinds in the beginning were really tough. I am light, and we were all strung out on the smooth part of the road in the beginning, but I kept getting swept out of the line by the wind, so I lost the bunch.

“I spent the first 44km by myself and trying not to lose too much time. Francis (Janse van Rensburg) was in the bunch, so I thought that was my race. But I heard she was just ahead on the Coleford Climb, so I motored up there as hard as I could and caught her just at the top.

“She tried to drop me on the descent with her better technical skills, but I was just able to hold on and then on the few climbs after that, I got a gap.

“I did run into some issues on the second half – I got a puncture and ran out of water, and I had to beg some guys to help me repair the puncture, but the mountain bikers are amazing and two guys stopped to help.”

Beating the chill at the Underberg Gran Fondo

Riders were relieved to be able to start in cold but otherwise perfect racing conditions after gale-force winds battered the region overnight. While the wind picked up again out on the course, riders were treated to spectacular scenery as they raced through the foothills of the Drakensberg in crystal clear weather in the 140km, 92km and 42km events.

The great weather was a massive relief for the event organisers as it allowed them to show off the spectacular South African scenery in this country’s only event in the prestigious international Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series.

In the shorter races, Carnie van der Linde and Jonette Lee won the men’s and women’s 90km event, respectively, and Underberg local Cora-Gene Spires and Pakiso Mogapi, riding his first race, were the top female and male in the 45km respectively.

SELECTED RESULTS

140km

Men

1 Brandon Downes 4:40:02

2 Alex Pavlov 4:45:20

3 Brent Yelland 4:50:27

4 Jaco Van Dyk 4:53:54

5 Alwyn Steenkamp 4:59:30

6 Michael Rowland 4:59:32

7 Josh Rheeders 4:59:41

8 Andrew Hill 5:00:31

9 Bradley Venter 5:12:57

10 Martin Hall 5:17:04

Women

1 Joanna Van De Winkel 5:21:38

2 Hayley Smith 6:07:43

90km

1 Carnie Van Der Linde 4:44:43

2 Bryan Berkeljon 4:44:46

3 Johan Fourie 4:46:04

4 Andre Jaap Van Straaten 4:53:50

5 Gavin Castleman 5:10:00

Women

1 Jonette Lee 6:17:28

2 Laura Barras 6:25:32

45km

Men

1 Pakiso Mogapi 2:21:03

2 Terry Yates 2:30:21

3 Grahame Bargate 2:33:23

4 Zane Swift 2:37:46

5 Zovuyo Ngejane 2:40:44

Women

1 Cora-Gene Spires 2:17:20

2 Gena Lofstrand 2:21:18

3 Karen Bargate 2:33:16

4 Mira Castleman 2:41:45

5 Janine Rennie 2:45:44

The event will once again draw competitors looking to make a good impression and capture first place in the numerous races.

Underberg Gran Fondo puts gravel racing in the spotlight

However, it will also draw a sizable number of social riders keen to experience the beauty of the Drakensberg foothills.

ALSO READ: Team Honeycomb buzzing ahead of Underberg Gran Fondo

The event is open to riders of all skill levels and offers three distances to pique the attention of both weekend warriors and racing snakes.

A few notable names looking to make their mark have once again drawn attention to the 140km showpiece race. Two of the top three finishers from 2022 are back for another shot at the overall title, with Alwyn Steenkamp and Brandon Downs braving the undulating gravel roads that encircle Underberg.

Contenders

ALSO READ: Underberg Gran Fondo adds shorter route

Brent Yelland, a young rider from Durban North who will be competing in his debut gravel race, is a racer to watch out for because of his solid MTB and road racing backgrounds.

The seasoned triathlete Donovan van Gelder has a history of shining when the going gets difficult and might surprise. Andrew Hill, who entered the race late, will be someone to watch as long as he remains healthy and competitive.

Three riders from the Johannesburg-based Honeycomb Pro Cycling Team will be heading to KZN, and if Bradley Scott, Jaco van Dyk, and Casper Kruger cooperate to achieve a team goal, the KZN riders may find it difficult to cover all the strategies.

The women’s race

There won’t be any of the 2022 podium finishers competing in the women’s race this year, but there should still be an interesting tussle at the front of the field.

Hayley Smith of Bell Racing has entered her maiden gravel race and is looking to build on her recent success. The elite road cyclist turned MTB race champion Joanne van de Winkel from the Sandton City Cycle Nation squad will undoubtedly be her strongest adversary.

The seasoned ex-Olympian from Hillcrest will compete against Smith across the 140km race, reigniting their thrilling off-road rivalry that has grown over the last year.

Riders may also attempt the shorter 94km course, which is proving to be a popular choice for those who are uneasy about the lengthy 140km. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the promoters this year added the 45km Tour de Farms, which has generated a lot of interest.

As with any race in the Drakensberg in July, riders should expect temperatures to be in the teens rather than the 20s. However, the weather approaching Underberg is expected to miss race day and the cold to arrive on Monday.

Who backs the Underberg Gran Fondo 

Sling Cycles, a local manufacturer of gravel bikes, has joined with the event this year, and they will have a display at the event on Sunday for anybody interested in buying a cheap gravel cycle.

ALSO READ: Underberg Gran Fondo takes flight with Sling Cycles

Entries for the Underberg Gran Fondo are still open, and you can enter here https://underberggranfondo.co.za/how-to-enter/

Growing out of the manufacturer of aeroplanes, Sling Cycles is a young South African cycling business. Even though the connection between bicycles and aeroplanes seems left-field, it has happened before: The Wright brothers, who are credited with the first flight, utilised their expertise in hand-building bicycles to create the first aircraft.

Sling Cycles on board for Underberg Gran Fondo

Ahead of the second edition of the Underberg Gran Fondo this weekend, Sling Cycles has teamed up with the event to help grow the gravel racing discipline.

ALSO READ: Underberg Gran Fondo adds shorter route

Director of Sling Cycles Branko Brkljac teaming up with the Underberg Gran Fondo was a simple decision.

“With four of our owners from Howick the event is a local event for us,” Brkljac said. “We love the environment and the atmosphere that surrounds the Underberg region and the event so we are excited to be a formal part of the event.

“We’re all about having fun and enjoying the event away from the competitive side and we can see that the Underberg Gran Fondo is about more than just the racing.”

ALSO READ: Team Honeycomb buzzing ahead of Underberg Gran Fondo

Gravel time

The Gran Fondo in Underberg is the first internationally recognised gravel race in South Africa and is a part of the Gran Fondo World Series, which includes gravel events all over the world.

“With gravel racing taking off around the world and in South Africa, we are pleased to welcome a company that is specifically focused on creating bikes for this discipline,” organiser Pierre Horn said.

ALSO READ: Development cyclists brave bitter cold for Youth Day ride

“As an event we have been looking to partner with like-minded brands and given Sling Cycles’ vision for their business, it is great match for us and hopefully we can help each other in the long run to achieve our goals.

“We look forward to welcoming them to the event this year and hope that it’s the start of a long-running partnership.”

The Gran Fondo will once again attract riders taking on the three different distances and with a company that sells gravel bikes on site there is a good chance that they will be a popular stop for riders.

What is going down at the Underberg Gran Fondo

Many riders will be taking on the 140km, 94km or 45km rides on mountain bikes and should the gravel racing bug bite then having demo bikes on hand to ride will be a benefit to all involved.

The race this year has attracted more interest and for organisers this interest will only grow as the discipline of gravel racing becomes increasingly popular.

“We’re happy to see the increase in interest this year as well as the interest in the shorter distance that we have added.

“There is still chance for riders to enter, and we encourage those sitting on the fence to get involved and come and enjoy a fantastic weekend away in the Southern Drakensberg,” Horn added.

Entries for the Underberg Gran Fondo are open, and you can enter here https://underberggranfondo.co.za/how-to-enter/

ALSO READ | Louis Meintjes crashes out of Tour de France

Denmark’s Vingegaard crossed the finish line after the 21-day race 7:29 ahead of Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar, the champion in 2020 and 2021.

Pogacar’s team-mate Adam Yates of Great Britain rounded out the top three podium.

Vingegaard’s winning margin was the largest since 2014 when Italian Vincenzo Nibali took the fabled champion’s yellow jersey by 7:39.

The world’s greatest bike race provided tense drama with spectacular backdrops as Vingegaard and Pogacar remained separated by seconds until the Dane edged ahead with a sensational individual time trial.

The following day on a 28km climb to the ski resort of Courchevel, Pogacar cracked, shouting “I’m gone, I’m dead” before Vingegaard killed off the race with a sensational final climb.

The event had been billed as a showdown between the defending champion Vingegaard and Pogacar, who has won the Tour twice and now come second twice.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

HEARTBREAK | Mark Cavendish crashes out of Tour de France

Meintjes, 31, riding for the Intermarché-Circus-Wanty team, was in 13th place in the general classification heading into Saturday’s Stage 14.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Meintjes broke his collarbone in a fall shortly after the start.

More to follow …

Gran Fondo adds 45km option

2022’s inaugural edition of the gravel classic was well received by riders across the board, and 2023 is gearing up to be even more popular as the event has joined the Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series and organisers have listened to suggestions from riders that took part last year.

“There has been a lot of interest already in this year’s race and we’ve only just opened the entries,” organiser Pierre Horn said.

“After last year’s race we had a few of the older riders requesting that we add a shorter distance so this year we will have a 45km route that will be more than doable for all riders.

“It’s going to be called the Underberg Gran Fondo Tour de Farms, because the route takes riders through the farming community which is exciting, and we are looking forward to making the route public shortly.

“The new distance opens the event to so many more riders and the interest already suggests that it will be a popular distance.”

ALSO READ: UCI Swartberg 100 Gravel Fondo cycling results

Still catering to the hardcore

The event already offers the long 140km route, the 90km and now the short 45km race and this year the Underberg Gran Fondo has also been included on the Gran Fondo World Series.

“We’re the only Gran Fondo in South Africa that’s included on the Gravel World Series and we hope that maybe in 2024 we will get riders from overseas coming to take on our race.

“The gravel riding discipline is definitely still growing because it caters to so many different riders and it’s appealing for those MTB riders who don’t necessarily like the single track or technical riding.

“Also, it takes the roadies off the busy main roads, and a bonus is that it you get some of the best views when you ride along the gravel,” Horn added.

The Southern Drakensberg provides the ideal backdrop for a gravel race, but it has a lot more to offer.

“We want to create a family-orientated event and there is so much to do in and around Underberg.

“From the museums to the incredible trails at the Sani Spoors; we are trying to cater to the whole family because Underberg is always a fantastic weekend away.”

Entries for the Underberg Gran Fondo are open, and you can enter here https://underberggranfondo.co.za/how-to-enter/

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

There was plenty of thrilling time lap racing for the under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 riders despite the chill.

Youth Day ride goes ahead despite Cape Town’s big chill

The races, which lasted 30 to 90 minutes depending on the age division, demanded tactical cycling because of the windy weather. Twenty individuals from all age groups participated in the Nedbank Sports Trust Cycling Development Program from the four Cape Town-area high schools of Ocean View, Beacon Hill, Oval North, and Matthew Goniwe. In the under-19 division, Asakhe Dyani from Matthew Goniwe took third place.

“It was pretty hard racing with tailwinds driving us so fast and then headwinds towards the finish,” commented Dyani.

As Western Province Cycling Association selectors were there to choose riders for the Western Province squad that will participate at the Youth Festival in Oudtshoorn from July 11 to 13, the event was a significant opportunity for participants to demonstrate their abilities. Provincial colours will soon be handed to all chosen riders.

“We’d be very happy to have 10 of our cyclists selected for Oudtshoorn from this event,” said Mike Tippett, Manager of The Sports Trust Cycling Development Programme. “We are anticipating that 34 of our cyclists will be selected for Oudtshoorn, including 10 from Western Province, 20 from the West Coast and four from the Winelands.”

ALSO READ: Team Honeycomb buzzing ahead of Underberg Gran Fondo

Nedbank backing cycling

The Nedbank Sports Trust Cycling Development Programme has been funded by Nedbank since 2005. The programme currently supplies bikes and supports the training and participation of up to 150 cyclists annually in 10 high schools in the Western Cape, including the Cape Metro (predominantly the Cape Flats), West Coast and Winelands.

“In all our schools, we have a 3-year planning schedule and by the end of 2024, we aim to have 200 participating cyclists,” said Tippett.

“The programme pursues several core aims,” explained Tobie Badenhorst, Head of Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing at Nedbank. “It encourages learners to enjoy the sport, live a healthy lifestyle and do well at school, and it identifies and nurtures cycling talent during and beyond their school years. There is a place for everyone in the programme, and hopefully, many of the participants will continue to cycle throughout their lives.”

ALSO READ: Inter Miami are the hottest ticket in town thanks to Messi

Remembering Youth Day

The Youth Day event also commemorated the June 16 youth uprisings in Soweto in 1976 against the Apartheid regime, while celebrating our present-day youth, their potential, and their achievements. 

“It is fitting to quote Madiba, who believed in the transforming power of sport,” Badenhorst added.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Kyle Mitchell, team owner and rider, feels gravel racing in South Africa has a bright future due to the growing popularity of the sport and the sharp decline in the number of road racing events. He also thinks the Gran Fondo is the ideal event to assist the team to begin preparing for the remainder of the season.

Underberg Gran Fondo keeps growing

The Underberg Gran Fondo, now in its second year, has established itself as a major international race after being included in the Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series schedule for 2023. 

The international recognition, and the fact the event takes place at altitude with similar conditions, makes it a perfect event for elite riders preparing for the SA Gravel champs at Karkloof in August.

ALSO READ: Underberg Gran Fondo added to World Tour Series

“We are doing the SA Gravel Champs at Karkloof in August so want the guys to do some gravel races in preparation for that and there are not many in Gauteng, so the Gran Fondo is perfect for us,” said Mitchell.

“The event ticks a few boxes for us. It is a gravel race, it has the distance we need for a good training event and it has the altitude and similar conditions we are expecting when we get to Karkloof.

ALSO READ: Underberg Gran Fondo heeds calls for shorter route

“We have entered four riders: Jaco van Dyk, Casper Kruger, Jaedon Terlouw and myself. Casper and Jaco were first and second at the Gauteng Gravel Champs so they should do well and Jaedon is a good U23 rider.

Successes abroad

The team has just returned from the Skoda Tour de Maurice in Mauritius at the weekend with some impressive results.

The team finished fourth in the team time trial and after the opening stage, Terlouw wore the white jersey as the top U23 rider. Although he did not end up winning the youth category overall, he did finish in the top ten on the final stage and had a couple of other top 15 results in a strong field packed with good European pro riders.

Mitchell believed gravel racing will grow massively and is excited to be part of the start of what he believes will be the future of South African cycling.

“I believe gravel will replace road cycling in this country in the not too distant future.

“For road race organisers it is just so hard to get municipal buy in to events to make the roads safe. It just costs too much, firstly, to pay for officials to marshall events; and secondly, to fix the roads and get them in a condition to make racing safe.

“As our roads get worse and worse you will get less and less road races I think. Race organisers will move to organising gravel races.”

Underberg Gran Fondo organisers hoping to swell numbers

That will be good news to the Underberg Gran Fondo organising team, who expect growth in their race numbers, both from within KZN borders as well as from the rest of the country, and with the introduction of Gran Fondo World Tour Gravel Series status, even from participants outside South Africa.

Entrants at this year’s event will have the option for the 94km and 140km races as was the case at the inaugural edition in 2022, but for riders who are daunted by the distances, a new, shorter 45km Tour De Farms has been introduced.

Entries for the Underberg Gran Fondo are open, and you can enter here https://underberggranfondo.co.za/how-to-enter/

Memorable Karkloof Enduro

ALSO READ: Karkloof Classic sustained by long-term support from Sappi

In the women’s race, Arielle Behr is locked into a tight battle with pre-race favourite Sabine Thies and holds a tenuous 15-second lead for the women’s provincial title.

This opened the day by claiming a narrow three-second win on the opening stage but was a significant 17 seconds off the pace set by Behr on Stage 2. The 21-year-old favourite looked back on track as she reduced the deficit on the next section, but the 16-year-old Behr held her nerve and finished off the day with two more wins, albeit by narrow margins.

Provincial Enduro champs at Karkloof

ALSO READ: Drama on the trails

With this event doubling as the provincial enduro champs, the fight for the women’s win is likely the most intriguing battle of the final day on Sunday.

While Duncan looks like he will be tough to beat over the remaining five stages in the men’s event, the struggle for second is a bit tighter with Wilson knowing he cannot afford any slip-ups on Sunday. Chasing the talented youngster will be sub-veteran Brandon Waugh, currently in third place and just 13 seconds behind his schoolboy rival. Further back, Jason Davies and Shaun Carlton complete the top five, 26 and 37 seconds further behind, respectively.

Duncan set down a marker on the opening stage when he negotiated the Maker Miracle / Rene’s Rumble section eight seconds quicker than Wilson but stamped his authority on the opening day by blitzing the second section, Mylly’s Hoola, a massive 18 seconds faster than his nearest rival. At each of the remaining three timed portions of the day, Duncan edged away a little more, and Wilson will probably have to take some significant risks tomorrow if he wants to get back into contention.

SELECTED RESULTS: DAY 1

ALSO READ: Thrilling women’s battle on the cards at Karkloof Classic

Men
1 Keira Duncan 13:23
2 Omar Wilson 14:09
3 Brandon Waugh 14:22
4 Jason Davies 14:48
5 Shaun Charlton 14:59
Women
1 Arielle Behr 16:40
2 Sabine Thies 16:55
3 Amber Cole 18:09
4 Melody French 18:09
5 Jade Davies 18:46

For more information, go to www.karkloofclub.co.za/

Transport service quality is known to drive the public attitude to and image of a city, which is important to the marketing of a city as a destination or place for investment. Cycling is one of the cheapest modes of transport. It can ease traffic gridlock and its associated pollution and environmental impacts, making the city more attractive as a destination.

ALSO READ: Tech wars turning cycling into Formula One

Yet cycling continues to be marginalised in developing countries. This has stimulated academic research to understand the adoption of cycling infrastructure. But how well can cycling work in a highly urbanised state like Lagos?

As an academic researcher with a focus on transport, education and financial services, I teach the marketing and advertising of these services. To market cycling as a sustainable mode of transport, I need to understand the challenges, opportunities and prospects facing consumers.

As part of my ongoing research, I set about studying the attitudes of cyclists and non-cyclists in Lagos to understand why cycling is a challenging mode of transport despite its obvious benefits.

I found that numerous fears and social pressures are holding back the uptake of cycling – yet even so there are growing groups of Lagosians championing the bicycle.

The study

My research involved ethnographic fieldwork, observations and interviews with cyclists and non-cyclists in Lagos.

I interviewed 28 members of cycling clubs and 67 non-cycling participants. The research also collected photographic evidence of transport infrastructure, various activities organised to encourage cycling, and the business operations of cycling clubs and start-ups.

Thematic analysis of the data revealed three key challenges for establishing a culture of cycling in Lagos.

Three key findings

Personal fears: This is about the ability and willingness to cycle. I found that many adults don’t know how to ride a bike and can’t imagine themselves cycling in Lagos. Some were very reluctant to learn and many felt it was unsafe and wouldn’t even encourage their children to cycle. Gender discrimination was a significant concern – women are often harassed and unfairly treated on the road. Road users in Lagos can be very impatient, putting cyclists at risk.

Social issues: These are broader challenges that hinder the adoption of cycling. A lack of awareness of the benefits of cycling is compounded by societal marginalisation – many people still feel rich people drive and poor people cycle. Cyclists may have no place to shower or to safely store their bicycles. However, it’s important to recognise the growing numbers of cycling clubs in Lagos that provide a safe cycling environment and network and schedule group rides for budding cyclists. City Cyclers, Bikaholics, Greenhouse Bikers, Cycology and Cyclotron are some of the bigger cycling clubs in the state. There are also charities, foundations and initiatives – like Girls Bike Club – supporting the growth of cycling.

ALSO READ: Tech wars turning cycling into Formula One

Structural limitations: These challenges most often place responsibilities on government to support cycling infrastructure. The security of cyclists in Lagos is put at risk because of a lack of cycle lanes, parking and routes.

Why cycling matters

The health benefits of cycling have been well recognised. Lagos needs to promote cycling as a contributor for better population health.

Then there are the economic benefits of cycling in a congested state like Lagos. According to the former permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Lagos is set to lose US$21 billion monthly by 2030 due to time spent stuck in traffic. Fewer cars on the roads would allow people to be more productive.

ALSO READ: Cycling XCO and XCC 2023 National Championships

Finally, cycling benefits the environment. Road transport in Lagos – with the abundance of old vehicles and high sulphur content in imported fuels – is a significant contributor to air pollution. The World Bank estimates that at least 30,000 people die every year in Lagos due to pollution – 11,200 of them premature deaths.

People are increasingly conscious of how their environment affects their wellbeing. With Lagos excluded from the comprehensive world ranking of bike-friendly cities, it needs to improve its brand positioning. The mega city could help change its image as a place where people struggle to move around by investing in sustainable modes of transportation.

What should be done – cycling

Awareness of cycling should be promoted, alongside increased availability of bicycles for people to use. With rental services like Awa Bike providing bike sharing across educational campuses and Thinkbikes offering electric bicycles, there are business opportunities for increasing the number of bicycles in Lagos. State government can also consider financial support for those who may want to buy their own bicycles, like the Bike2Work Scheme in the UK.

Road users should be made aware of the rights of cyclists on the roads. Ensuring that streets have safe, continuous space for pedestrian movement and dedicated cycle tracks is an essential component of a complete cycle network.

ALSO READ: Recap: This week in South African cycling

By increasing cycling uptake and reducing the use of motorised vehicles, the Lagos brand could help attract more visitors who are keen to explore the state.

Article by Emmanuel Mogaji. Associate Professor in Marketing, Keele University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Common licence. Read the original article

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY THE CONVERSATION

Ready to set the trails for Karkloof Classic Enduro

“I should already be training for the national championships,” Duncan said with a laugh. “I still want to give professional riding a real crack and although it’s taken a bit of a back seat with work, in my mind I am still going for it.

“This is still a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to race professionally so I am going to see if I can get overseas and race for a few months.”

Duncan finds himself in the position of racing on the trails that he creates, however he feels that the trail network at Karkloof is so good it means that he doesn’t need to make wholesale changes.

“I’m definitely not redesigning the wheel here, but I am just trying to further develop an already incredible network of trails.

“There’s a fine line between making trails that everyone enjoys but still tests the top riders and I think Karkloof does that and the network provides me with the perfect canvas to express myself.

“I’ve been building trails and jumps since I was a young boy and to now be doing it for a living is a dream come true. Being able to be outdoors and create something that is a form of expression is a privilege,” he added.

ALSO READ: Drama on the trails

Local passions

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Managing the extensive network of trails in the Karkloof is a big task, but for a Howick local caring for the trails that put the Karkloof region on the map is a job he cherishes.

“We have over 300km of single track that we manage in the Karkloof and then there are other trail networks that we maintain but I love being out on the trails and trying to fill the big boots that went before me.

“I’ve lent on Hylton Turvey for advice since I have taken over, but I don’t get to meet with him as much as I would like and I am trying my best to give people the best possible trails.”

The 2023 Sappi Karkloof Enduro will be two days of riding the famous Karkloof trails with no trails being duplicated on both days.

There will also be an Enduro Lite option for younger riders or those wanting something shorter, and you are able to ride just one of the two days, however you will be excluded from any prize categories.

For more information go to www.karkloofclub.co.za/

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Women’s race brings the drama

In stark contrast, HH Women’s Racing’s Hill only just edged out Hayley Smith (Bell Equipment) in a drama-filled women’s race that was only decided a couple of hundred metres from the finish when Smith and Hill both ended up on the ground together.

The two did not have time to dust themselves off and, as Hill said in the excited chatter between the two after they had crossed the line, the sprint for victory became “a race to get back on our bikes and get to the finish line.”

Hill had to work exceptionally hard to claim the victory and was forced to fight back after she was dropped off the leading group of women early on.

“I forgot that Karkloof has some mega climbs,” said Hill shortly after crossing the line. “When we started I was feeling really good, then when we hit the first climb and I was like “Oh no!”

ALSO READ: The most popular sports video games

Hard tasks

“I forgot how long the climbs were and the girls shot off the front so I had to play catch-up all day. The three of them, Hayley, Rouxda (Grobler) and Joanna (van de Winkel) got away. Then going through the first single track, Hayley opened up a huge gap.

“It was tough as I had to pass one rider and then another and then chase Hayley. I could see Hayley up the Lebanon climb (the highest point of the race at about halfway) and at the top I was 30 seconds behind. I don’t think I have ever worked so hard to catch someone, because Hayley has skills and it was not easy.

“Once I caught her, after about 45 kilometres, we worked quite well together.”

Smith then took up the story of what was a dramatic end to a tough battle between the two.

“It was literally a few hundred metres from the finish and I just came in too hot into a corner and my front wheel just washed out and I was on the floor.”

“And I then just rode into her,” chipped in Hill.

“It was going to be the most epic sprint and I was getting so nervous wondering what I was going to do at the finish,” said Smith.

“And the next minute I was on the floor.

“The sprint ended up being like who could get up quickest and go for the line.”

Bonding on the Karkloof Classic trails

The race did have something of a happy ending for Smith, who received an unusual proposal out on the route that could lead to an exciting partnership in future.

While riding in one of the easier sections of the route, Hill decided her opponent would make a great partner at one of the country’s top stage races.

“We were riding and I and turned to Hayley and said: “You want to race the Cape Pioneer Trek together?”

“And she turned back and said “Yah, I would love to!” … so, I have found a partner!”

In the men’s race, Foster powered away up the first climb and was never challenged again as he time-trialled alone to the finish.

“I had a super-good day. I was with Daniel and Keegan for the first bit and we were going not too fast, but up the first hill I had planned to go hard, and the guys could not go with me.

“So I got away on the first climb at about 10 or 12 kilometres and rode by myself for the rest of the race.

“It was not easy … it was definitely quite hard, but nothing went wrong. A few sketchy sections where I almost came off but was just able to save it,” added the 21-year-old who has targeted the World Champs as his big goal later this year – and on the kind of form he showed on Sunday, he looks like a good selection for the SA team.

Karkloof Classic results

RESULTS
60km
Men
1 Michael Foster 2:49:58
2 Daniel van der Watt 3:04:14
3 Keegan Tullis 3:07:13
4 Tyronne White 3:12:13
5 Syanda Gumede 3:14:48
Women
1 Sarah Hill 3:34:28
2 Hayley Smith 3:35:22
3 Rouxda Grobler 3:49:19
4 Joanna van de Winkel 3:50:55
5 Sanchia Malan 4:18:24

40km
Men
1 Omar Wilson 1:36:36
2 Joshua Johnson 1:38:34
3 Joshua Paul 1:40:09
Women
1 Errin Mackridge 1:58:01
2 Jodi Mackinnon 2:05:41
3 Robyn Chapman 2:05:51

20km

Men
1 Ryan Storm 1:02:13
2 Sean Johnson 1:02:14
3 Bjorn Wheeler 1:03:59
Women
1 Libby Chapman 1:11:06
2 Sue Chapman 1:11:58
3 Madison Bateson 1:12:57