Local cyclists take part in 947 Ride Joburg
Mayberry Park triathlete Gavin Kilpatrick was excited to be among many who took part in the 947 Ride Joburg.
It was a fresh and overcast morning that met more than 10 000 eager cyclists for this year’s 947 Ride Joburg, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, on November 21.
Many enthusiastic riders tackled the 97km route around the streets of Johannesburg.
They battled their way through an exciting course in the hope of getting their hands on a prize for the overall win.
Cyclists set off from the FNB Stadium in batches at a time at three minutes intervals throughout the morning.
Mayberry Park visually impaired triathlete Gavin Kilpatrick and his tandem pilot, Roberto Gnudi, were among many to also compete in the racing tandem category
Kilpatrick said tactics for the day were to ride sensibly in the windy conditions and to get through the second half of the route with enough energy for the sprint finish.
“We found ourselves in a select breakaway with three other tandems and worked together and built a slender lead over our rivals. The chasing pack finally caught us going up Hyde Park hill. They were also the fastest finishers in the para-cyclists competition on the day,” he said.
He also congratulated Trish Heimann and her visually impaired tandem partner, Linsay Engelbrecht, for winning the ladies tandem category.
“I had a fantastic race. I commend the fresh new start venue and the enthusiasm of all cyclists to have the opportunity to compete again after the effects of Covid-19. I’m looking forward to the next event,” said Kilpatrick.
