Despite limited sponsorship, a pothole-riddled route and ongoing power problems at Talana Museum, the third annual Biggarsberg Cycle Challenge on Sunday earned praise from about 80 riders across all categories, from juniors to grand masters.

Cycling SA advised organisers, Tourism Dundee, to change the route after the Sunset Rest road was deemed too badly rutted for high-tech bicycles.

The new route headed towards Elandslaagte, with the 100km riders tackling the challenging Indumeni Pass before dropping into Dundee and racing back to the museum. The 42km riders followed the Glencoe bypass before returning to the museum.

Yahya Patel of BikeTech Durban delivered a muscle-busting performance to win the 100km race in 2:57, setting a new record.

Former Dundonian Devon du Plessis finished second in 3:14, with Justin Short of Nottingham Road third in 3:15.

In the 42km race, grand master Jeff Schar won in an impressive 1:24, followed by Sifiso Buthelezi in 1:25. Christien van der Berg was the first woman home in 1:39, followed by Mandie du Plessis in 1:41.

Experienced cyclist Naidene Nunes won the women’s 100km race in 3:43:08, followed by Mariette Swanepoel in 3:43:26. Rebecca van der Linda finished third.

Riders praise challenging route

Entrants praised the revised route, with Patel describing it as one that “kept all cyclists honest”. He confirmed that he and his BikeTech team would return next year.

Middelburg cyclist Tobie van der Berg also praised the route and organisation and volunteered to assist with marketing next year’s event.

Tourism Dundee’s Toy Mtshali and Pam McFadden thanked everyone who supported the event, saying that despite the challenges, they were pleased with the publicity it generated for the town.