Local cyclists excel at gruelling national road and time trial challenges
Doctor Bianca Cooper participated in the individual time trial and came out tops in the veteran ladies, 40–44 years.
Local doctor, Bianca Cooper, finished first in her age category at the South African Road and Time Trial National Championships 2024 held in Midvaal, Gauteng, from February 1 to 4.
Cooper participated in the individual time trial and came out tops in the veteran ladies, 40–44 years. She explained that ‘the ITT is often referred to as the ‘race of truth’ as you race alone against the clock.
Drafting is not permitted in this event, and the fastest time on the day over the course wins.’ Riders set off at set intervals (usually of 1-2 minutes), and are unaware of their placing until all competitors have finished.
“Our course was 22 km, and I won by a margin of 1 minute and 58 seconds which is quite a bit over the distance.”
She continued: “I’m more known for my ultra-cycling, and my cycling training has gotten off to a rocky start this year, as I had orthopaedic surgery in November, which entailed a few weeks off followed by a gradual return to sport.”
Results were as follows:
• Bianca Cooper – 00:33:10.42
• Jaclyn Bilson: 00:35:09.34
• Celeste Olckers: 00:36:39.30
Newcastle’s AC Swanepoel competed in the road race; a traditional race many can relate to when it comes to cycling: a mass start, group racing, and constant fighting to stay in the bunch with a potential sprint finish.
His race was 141 km, and Swanepoel described the course as very challenging, as the latter half took them around the hilly Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in the midday heat.
He finished 10th in his group (the 30-34 and 35-39 vets all start together) and 6th in his age group of 35-39.
According to Cooper, this was one of the biggest and most competitive age groups at the championships.
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