Vlammie takes first in Cycle Classic

Martin Oosthuizen, also of Vlammies, came second in the juniors and the promising rider in Lowveld High, Demarco Pillay secured gold in the u/17 category.

Valencia had seven riders representing the team. Coach Bosseau Boshoff (veteran men) surprised everyone when he went out on a solo breakaway from the gun. No one responded and he quickly gained a two-minute gap which he maintained – man alone – for an impressive 70km. The rest of the Valencia team helped Boshoff keep his lead by controlling the pace of the chasing bunch.

After the 50km turnaround point Boshoff had a strong headwind to contend with but he fought it and kept his lead for an additional 20km when the bunch finally reeled him in. The final 30km were filled with small attacks and the bunch started getting edgy, not willing to let anyone get away.

With about 10km to go, Justin Victor (elite men) attacked, forming a break of four riders. Oosthuizen counter-attacked as soon as Victor’s break got neutralised and he managed to stay ahead till the 5km mark. Once he got caught, Halderman attacked with less than 4km to go, quickly opening a gap of 30 seconds. No one had the strength to respond, and his brave feat proved to be the move of the day as he secured a well deserved win. Boshoff came second in a sprint with Oosthuizen coming in fifth overall. A total of 184 riders participated in this race.

The final results of the Valencia riders were
• Damon Halderman – first GC, first junior
• Bosseau Boshoff – second GC, first veteran
• Martin Oosthuizen – fifth GC, second junior
• Demarco Pillay – seventh GC, first u/17
• Justin Victor – 13th GC, first elite man
• Samantha Sanders – 12th GC, first woman
• Amy McDougall (who broke two spokes) finished 23rd GC, third woman.

Has the cycling bug bitten you? For more enquiries on how you can be part of the team, call Boshoff on 083-273-7331.