Wheelers win with waterside challenge
Approximately 243 cyclists sported their respective numbers this year, during the cycle on Sunday February 15.
In the Newcastle sport calendar, not many events generate as much interest and enthusiasm as the Newcastle Wheelers Club Checkers & Waterside Cycle Challenge.
The change in route this year did little to deter avid cyclists from pedalling on as participants in the well-known event.
Approximately 243 cyclists sported their respective numbers this year, during the cycle on Sunday February 15.
The biggest category of the five different races in the Challenge was the 100km event. With seven different classes racing and 86 participants, the 100km in particular was undoubtedly a show-stopper of a race.
Stealing top honours in the junior division, Sheldon Lahner proved youth was power with his 02:38:47 and overall seventh place finish.
Mike Viljoen was the overall fastest in the race, with a 02:35:04 finish, and one second win over second placed Werner Moolman. Both athletes further topped the Veterans 30-39 and 40-49 respectively.
Hannes Kruger led the Elite and Under 23 pack with his 02:38:43 and third overall finish, while Wesley Phipson and AC Swanepoel capped off the second and third placed spots in this division.
Gwyn Pine led the 50 and over group managing a 02:41:39 second finish, while on the other end of the spectrum, in the under 16 category, Cayde Muldoon posted a respectable finish-time of 03:04:14.
The women’s category winner was Sandra Haywood, and was followed by Heather Watson and Chantelle Joubert.
