Heinrich Hamm honoured at cycling challenge
Stofpad Events held its first ever Broodblik Fast Challenge where the late cyclist and teacher Heinrich Hamm was honoured.
Stofpad Events hosted the first-ever Broodblik Fast Challenge on December 2.
It is hoped that the event will become an annual fixture on the mountain bike events calendar.
The event saw 150 entries over different distances with the majority of entries participating in the 70 and 40km rides.
This event comes just weeks after Heinrich Hamm was shot and killed while cycling with his nephew and brother-in-law on his usual route.
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Stofpad Events founder, Sarel van den Berg, said the fact that 35 people did not pitch to the event is a concern.
“Cyclists are now aware more than ever that they are under serious threat after the death of a fellow cyclist,” he said.
CMS Tactical Team operations manager Danie Hattingh headed up the security for the day.
“We’re here to serve and protect, make sure that everybody is safe here today. We have a no-nonsense approach and we’re ready to deal with anything that can go wrong security-wise,” he said.
“Nitro-Med sponsored the event with two ambulances. All our riders were grateful and felt protected, we only had awesome feedback from the riders.
“Hopefully we can maintain this and get more riders to participate next year. CMS is, since the fatal shooting, very active in patrolling the area.”
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Van den Berg stated that at all his events, he caters to the not-so-fit families participating apart from the seasoned racers.
“I want people to stay healthy and enjoy cycling as a family. With the little ones also participating, I believe there are future champs waiting in the ranks,” he said.
Heinrich Hamm’s wife Monique Hamm, received an award in honour of her late husband.
“My message to the other cyclists is that they should be safe while riding and just enjoy the routes,” she said.
Van den Berg stated he always has some special trophies at his events called Stofpad Events Hero.
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These are for occasions where they have riders that don’t win the race but they give everything to finish the race.
He described them as the heart of the race.
“We wanted to honour a fallen hero and it was a fitting tribute to the Hamm family from our cycling community. Monique accepted the Hero award in memory of Heinrich,” he said.
