Cream of the crop conquer Berge en Dale
These cycling enthusiasts were provided with two distance options – 107km and 59km – and kicked off their race at Cradlestone Mall.
Saturday, 24 February saw just under 3 000 cyclists from all over South Africa battle it out for the win when they participated in the Bestmed Berge en Dale road race in Krugersdorp and Muldersdrift.
These cycling enthusiasts were provided with two distance options – 107km and 59km – and kicked off their race at Cradlestone Mall.
However, there could only be one winner, and according to ASG Events, it was none other than Reynard Butler who, confident in his finishing ability, powered his way to back-to-back one-day classic victories in the Berge en Dale road race.
With excellent support from his team, the 29-year-old ProTouch rider added the 107km feature race title to his Ride for Sight victory in Boksburg on 18 February.
After his win, Reynard said he felt confident of his form in the dash to the line. He crossed the line at Cradlestone Mall in a mere two hours, 30 minutes and 37 seconds.
“Going into the last kilometre we had two of our teammates, Myles van Musschenbroek and Gustav Basson, leading,” he said.
“I know that Gustav has a nice kick so I used him to my advantage. He led me off with about 250m to go and I had the power at the end to finish off.”
The Demacon women’s team continued to dominate the South African scene with newly crowned national road champion Carla Oberholzer picking up her third title of the year.
Even though she made it through a tough start on the first climb, she still managed to produce a big effort to overtake her opponents.
She also used her power to overshadow those close on her heels in a sprint finish in only three hours, 10 minutes and 39 seconds.
“I struggled with the start and after the climb I was not feeling well. But I recovered during the race and at the halfway mark I started feeling better,” she explained.
“It was a slow race but a sprint finish is always a bit of gamble and it was a close one today.”
Carla who, like Reynard, triumphed at Ride for Sight, said it was another great outcome for the team in the event which is presented by Optimum Financial Services.
The results for the 107km are as follows:
Elite men:
First: Reynard Butler – 2:30:37
Second: Calvin Beneke – 2:30:38
Third: Flavio Venceslau – 2:30:38
Fourth: Bradley Potgieter – 2:30:38
Fifth: Jan Montshioa – 2:30:38
Elite women
First: Carla Oberholzer – 3:10:39
Second: Yzette Oelofse – 3:10:39
Third: Joanna van de Winkel – 3:10:40
Fourth: Kim Le Court – 3:10:41
Fifth: Desray Neale Sebregts – 3:10:42
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
