Cyclists peddle through gruelling race
Cyclists fill the streets of Ekurhuleni for the second annual 100 Cycle Challenge.
Germiston Lake was once again the backdrop for the gruelling 100 Cycle Challenge.
The second annual race, held last Sunday, saw cyclists starting at Germiston Lake before they whizzed through the streets of Ekurhuleni in several categories, which included a 50km, 100km and 130km UCI race for elite men, which comprised six laps of 5km each around Germiston Lake.
The lake was also the finish point of the race.
The 100 Cycle Challenge is dedicated to the development of the sport of cycling and this year the race supported the developmental initiatives of East Rand-based Ekurhuleni Cycling Club and The Urban Ruins.
The race organisers also extended an invitation to a wide variety of charities and non-profit organisations to use the race as a platform to raise funds for their various causes.
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The winner of the race’s UCI Africa Tour pro-elite men’s category was Jayde Julius from Team ProTouch, who came in second in the 2018 race, with Steven van Heerden and 2018 winner Nolan Hoffman, both from Team Proud Beginners, taking the second and third places respectively.
The pro-elite women’s race was won by 2018 winner Kimberley Le Court De Billot, with second place going to Maroesjka Matthee and third place to Jo van de Winkel.
The men’s open category was won by Dean Geldhof, followed by Frederick Mitchley and Dewald Malan.
The women’s open category was won by Sandra Brookstone, followed by Claire Malik and Beverley Wingfield.
After the event, race organisers had high praise for the EMPD and all the foot marshals who kept the route safe and secure.
Among the many compliments and positive comments received from cyclists after the race, the most gratifying for organisers was that many racers said they felt safe throughout the race.
“We thank the EMPD for their stellar performance,” said Audri Joao on behalf of the 100 Cycle Challenge.
“Moreover, we thank the foot marshals, Road Rangers, Hamnet Emergency Communications, mySOS, Mibern Medi-call and all the officials from Cycling South Africa for their amazing contribution to the success of the race.
“Most importantly, we thank each and every rider who raced. Without you the event would not exist.”
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Mike Bradley of Cycling South Africa, the race’s technical partner, shared a comment from Eric Fallon from Belgium, the chief commissaire of the 100 Cycle Challenge: “This is a really great event.
“The safety and security of the riders were on point.
“Some of the managers from the professional teams, who have participated in the UCI race, commented that the race was one of the best events we have done this year.”
Following the success of the race, the organising team is looking forward to preparing for next year’s event, with the third annual 100 Cycle Challenge set to take place on the first Sunday of May.
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