KZN cycling champ poised for SA crown
Ballito local, Daniel Murphy, is in with a shot of winning the U16 SA Road Cycling Championships tomorrow (February 13).
Racing snakes, Michael and Daniel Murphy, love cycling like a fat kid loves chocolate and so choose to spend their lives behind bars.
This powerful father and son duo made an ambitious onslaught on the KZN road cycling championships last month, each pedaling their way to a podium position and spot on the starting line at this week’s South African road cycling championships.
Dad, Michael earned himself a bronze medal in the vets 50 – 55 category but it was 14-year-old Daniel who stole the show in the U16 road race when he destroyed the competition to finish a massive four minutes ahead of his nearest rival and a further 20 minutes ahead of the bunch.
“The course, winding through the Camperdown area, was extremely hilly but Daniel is an exceptional climber and used that to his advantage,” said Michael.
The bunch split 26 minutes into the race and Daniel managed to stay with the leaders, consisting mainly of a strong group of men 50 – 55 years old.
“He managed to sit with that group for about 60 kilometres before he got dropped going downhill, 10 kilometres from the finish.”
Being only 14, Daniel still has to ride with compact gears (smaller than a full “adult” set) and got dropped downhill when he spun out of gears and could not go any faster.
“Daniel is in with a chance of winning the U16 SA road title this week. His power (measured in watts) is on par with that of the top boys.”
The South African cycling championships take place this week Wednesday, February 11 to Sunday, February 14. On Wednesday and Thursday, Wartburg plays host to the race of truth, the individual time trial. Riders are off daily from 8.30am.
The road races take place on Saturday and Sunday from the M13 in Westville. Racing will begin daily at 7am with a prize-giving at 3pm on Saturday and at 12.30pm on Sunday.
For more information, visit www.kzncycling.co.za or www.cyclingsa.com.
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