WATCH: Klopper reigns supreme at Dis-Chem Ride for Sight
He won the race in 02:35:27.
Christiaan Klopper clinched the Dis-Chem Ride for Sight 116km classic men’s title with an incredible sprint in the last 100m for his first victory at the event at Boksburg Stadium on February 16.
After finishing third last year, behind winner Bradley Scott of Farrarmere and runner-up Kent Main, he timed his attack to perfection at the last corner into the home straight, fending off his Tshenolo Pro Cycling teammate and Captain Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg, to win in 02:35:27.
With inches from the finish, he gave the peloton one last look before beating his chest and thrusting his arms in the air as he savoured his victory.
“I was supposed to lead out our captain Reinhardt. I guess at the corner I went a little bit too fast and nobody followed me. When I looked back, I saw a gap and kept going,” said Klopper.
“I finished third last year. It’s awesome to take the victory. For our new team, Tshenolo Pro Cycling, it’s a great victory because we’ve had some bad luck in the previous couple of races. Thanks to the team and the sponsors.”
Janse van Rensburg, who has competed at the Tour de France and La Vuelta a Espana in Europe, crossed the line in 02:35:29 for the second wheel while 17-year-old rising star Gustav Roller, who rides for Belgian team Crabbè-Dstny, completed the top three in 02:35:30.
While their team strategy was to get either himself or Janse van Rensburg across the line first, Klopper was chuffed with the top podium positions going to his team, saying it’s exactly what they planned to do.
“The strategy was to get much of our guys up the road in all the breakaways just to control it and bring it back for me and Reinhardt. That’s exactly what they did and we couldn’t have asked for a better execution of the plan,” added Klopper.
Klopper leads the 14-race Mzansi national road series, which started with the Ottosdal Diamond Cycle Race last month and will conclude with the Timber City Classic in November.
Although they haven’t performed well in the series, Klopper said they were happy to earn some points after their Ride for Sight dominance.
“Every time we get in an ideal position with Reinhardt we either get a crash or mechanical failure. I think we have scored about two or three points, finishing in the top 10. It’s awesome for us to finally get over the line first and accumulate some points.”
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