Prostitutes, a fight between commuters, dangerous roads, a lack of toilet paper, and a South African championship where the distances changed a week before the start.
This is what cyclists had to endure during the last three weeks.
Several questions were sent to Gerrit Pfahl (Gauteng Road Commissioner).
For the sake of completeness, the questions and answers are published here.

Questions from Caxton newspapers:
The purpose of this is not for sensational reasons but to point out problem areas to put a sport that has experienced several setbacks in the last three years, such as road accidents, the end of the De Villiers races, and limited routes due to poor roads, in a better place.
After the provincial championships, the following complaints were received.

Complaints:

• The grass was not cut along the road.
• There was no toilet paper in the ladies’ toilets for two days.
• At one point, members who helped regulate traffic were threatened with being shot.
• The championships were held in a crime area with a bar and prostitutes.
• Just 500m from the start, 10 prostitutes were sitting half-naked, and cyclists had to watch as they were picked up by men early in the morning.
• Is it true that you were personally warned that the area was not safe, especially for children?
• Two cyclists were hit. How seriously were they injured, and what is their condition?
• There was no traffic control at two points.
• The route carried heavy traffic, and cyclists were almost run over on several occasions.
• Is it true that other provinces expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the championships were presented, and where?

National championships:

• Why were the distances changed a week before the championships? Cyclists, such as those in the older age groups, prepared according to the distances on the SA Cycling website and as of this morning, it had not changed on the website.
• Older participants’ distances suddenly changed from 43km to 100km. Is this fair?
• Don’t road cyclists in South Africa deserve better?
• What are the plans for next year?

Gerrit Pfahl (Gauteng Road Commissioner):
“Thank you for your correspondence. Gauteng Cycling notes the issues raised; however, we do not accept the allegations as framed, nor that Gauteng Cycling can be held accountable for all matters referenced. The event was organised and conducted in accordance with applicable regulations, permissions, and safety protocols, and reasonable measures were implemented within the scope of Gauteng Cycling’s control. Many of the concerns raised relate to municipal infrastructure, public-order policing, third-party conduct, and broader environmental factors, which fall outside the direct control and legal responsibility of Gauteng Cycling.

Event organisers retain the discretion to amend routes and distances where necessary, in accordance with applicable regulations and operational requirements. Participants are afforded a reasonable opportunity to prepare, particularly in respect of events that have long been established on the national and provincial calendar.

Road cyclists in South Africa unquestionably deserve well-organised, safe, and competitive events, and Gauteng Cycling remains committed to delivering events that meet the applicable standards and to continual improvement, within the practical, regulatory, and safety constraints that apply within Gauteng’s Cycling control.

Planning for next year’s championships is already underway and will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders, authorities, and service providers to ensure that the event is presented responsibly and sustainably. Further details will be communicated through the appropriate official channels in due course.

Without conceding any liability, Gauteng Cycling remains committed to the continued development and improvement of cycling events in the province and will, as always, engage constructively with relevant stakeholders to address challenges, where reasonably possible. We respectfully caution against the publication of unverified or speculative assertions that may unfairly prejudice the organisation, its officials, or the sport and sponsors. Gauteng Cycling remains available to engage in good faith regarding future planning and constructive proposals for upcoming championships.
Rider safety remains a priority area in which continuous improvement is sought. While there are practical limitations beyond the organisers’ control, Gauteng Cycling remains committed to selecting routes and implementing measures aimed at promoting rider safety to the extent reasonably possible.”

• Vaalweekblad newspaper reported that two cyclists were killed in a collision along the R82 (old Johannesburg road) near Walkerville on Sunday morning.
The cyclists were travelling uphill towards Walkerville when the crash occurred. Their deaths were confirmed in a message circulated on a cycling WhatsApp group.

The South African championships will be held in the same area from Thursday.