Shorter routes the biggest drawcard

After many months of hard work, The Grove Classic finally arrived. Unfortunately due to too few entries, the 140-kilometre race could not be held, but nonetheless the 20-, 40- and 80-kilometre divisions attracted hundreds. After finishing the race, pizza was served by Panarottis, The Lions Club had ice cold beers and cold drinks and many more stalls offered snacks and drinks. According to organisers, the event was incredibly successful considering it was the first of its kind, and that plans were in the pipeline to make this an annual race.

The route was chosen as a popular training route for locals and part of the local Jock cycle challenge, except for the shorter options. It started at Halls’ food stall turning left onto the road towards the stadium. Taking the road past the stadium and over the bridge that goes over the highway heading towards Sabie followed by the Brondal Road. The three distances offered something for the whole family. The cyclists seem to have enjoyed the race and are looking forward to next year.

According to Sam van Maanen of TBC Bestmed Club Nelspruit, there is a huge need in the area for road races that cater for riders who cannot ride a huge race like the Jock or the stage races like The Panaroma and The Clover Tour. “Our aim was to cater to families as well as the weekend riders.”

Most importantly, one of the reasons was to build awareness of cancer and the CANSA organisation. CANSA does amazing work for people who had been diagnosed with cancer, and for their families. “These days everyone knows at least someone that has beaten cancer, is fighting it or who has lost someone to cancer. They need as much help and financial support as possible,” says Van Maanen.

Here are the results:

80-kilometre men:

1. JP Jung with a time of 1:47
2. Hennie Kriek.
3. Hermanus van der Westhuizen

80-kilometre women:

1. Dalene van der Leek with a time of 1:56
2. Samantha Sanders
3. Emily Clarke

40-kilometre men:

1. Constant Farstenberg with a time of 1:22
2. Malcolm Henning
3. Johannes van der Walt

40-kilometre women:

1. Cordelia Moller with a time of 1:36
2. Karin Hannweg
3. Alette Brinkhorst

20-kilometre men:

1. Dylan Wallace with a time of 47:45
2. Andre de Lange
3. Gerald Thurtell

20-kilometre women:
1. Chandre van Aarde with a time of 53:28
2. Leana Pieterse
3. Karien Goosen.

“We hope to grow the event into a fun-filled day that families can look forward to as well as to help the young up-and-coming cyclists to grow as they improve their cycling,” Van Maanen concludes.