By Michele van Rensburg
MEYERTON. – Over 3 300 enthusiastic cyclists gathered on Sunday, January 26, in Meyerton to take on the 25th annual Midvaal Fast One Cycle Challenge. Pro-cyclists, renowned veterans, regulars and first-time riders several from as far as Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland-competed in the 28 km, 50 km and 97 km routes.

The Midvaal Executive Mayor, Bongani Baloyi, officially launched the start of the cycle challenge at Midvaal Raceway. The Elite category cyclists outshone last year’s results, pushing the limit of the average speed record, adding to the event’s notable reputation of being the fastest race in the country. Kent Main who placed 7th in 2019, went on to win the Men’s Elite category with a finishing time of 2:04:24, a minute faster than the 2019 winner.
Having won The Midvaal Fast One Cycle Challenge, Kent will be participating in the South African National Championships from the 5 – 9 February 2020. Kent beat Louis Visser (2nd) and David Maree (3rd) to the line in the 97 km race with an average speed of 46.78kms/hr. In the Woman’s Elite category, 2018 SA Road Champion Carla Oberholzer, broke away early from the group with an outstanding win, beating Maroesjka Matthee (2nd) and former SA Junior Woman’s Road Champion, Ashleigh Parsons (3rd). Carla has also qualified to enter the South African National Championships to represent South Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Receiving the 1st place podium positions were upcoming Dian Janjetich in the Junior category and Jacques Greef in the Vet A category (30 – 39 age group). Gert Fouche, the current SA & UCI Masters World Hour Record title holder, won the Vet B category (40 – 49 age group) while former world champion, twice Rapport Tour winner, Springbok and multiple SA champion Gary Beneke won the Vet C category (50+ age group) race.
The Midvaal Fast One Cycle Challenge was sponsored by the Midvaal Municipality and was the first of the “Midvaal in May” events hosted and sponsored this coming year, showcasing Midvaal as an ideal location for business and leisure.
The cycle race, organised by the Rotary Club of Riverside, was assisted by various Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Round Tablers and the Portuguese Club, who provided road marshals on the day. All profits generated by the race are utilized for Rotary community projects of which some are earmarked for community upliftments and job creation in Midvaal.
Organizers thanked the media sponsors Primedia, 90.6 FM and MooiVaal Media (Ster and Vaalweekblad) for their support.

First published in Ster’s edition of February 4, 2020
Uploaded: R Fitchat