HB Kruger wins toughest one-day race from Cullinan to Tonteldoos
HB Kruger is this year’s champion of the Ford Cullinan to Tonteldoos Ultra cycling race that took place last weekend.
HB Kruger is this year’s champion of the Ford Cullinan to Tonteldoos Ultra cycling race that took place last weekend.
He won the race in a time of 09:18:20 hours.
The race, presented by King Price, got underway on April 22 as the sun began to rise with nearly 300 cyclists participating in what is considered South Africa’s most challenging one-day gravel race.
The competitors embarked on a demanding 260km journey from Cullinan to Dunkeld Country Estate in Dullstroom.
Kent Main finished second in the elite men’s category with a time of 09:22:42, followed by Alex Pavlov in third place with a time of 09:27:24.
Bianca Cooper was the first elite woman home with a time of 11:48:00, followed by Martie Joubert in second place with a time of 12:03:16 and Cháni Maré in a time of 12:58:36.
The mental fortitude of the riders was just as critical as their physical endurance in completing the race.
Rob van den Berg, the creator of Ford C2T Ultra presented by King Price, shed light on the origins of the race and whether it lives up to its reputation of being challenging.
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“It is a pretty intimidating ride, but it’s also enjoyable and full of adventure. The camaraderie among riders is incredible. It’s not just about cycling – it’s about mental toughness.”
Itumeleng Storom crossed the finish line just before the cut-off time at 06:06.
Although his wife Refoe Sofute didn’t make the cut-off, completing the race is still a significant achievement.
“Completing this challenging race, widely considered to be the most difficult of its kind, is no small achievement,” said Van den Berg.
