It was a hotly contested end to the race as six men battled it out up to the finish line.
The women’s race was won by Marianne Vos.
The six cyclists were from a break-away of 14 strong cyclists who dominated the race.
They were part of the elite group who made up the first group of cyclists to pedal the route around Johannesburg. The rest of the cyclists set off at different times from the challenge’s new venue, Riversands Commercial Park.
Teams and individual cyclists gathered at the registration table as early as 4am. Cyclists pedalled through Steyn City, a brand new development in the north of the city, using the two-lane dual carriageway, Steyn City Boulevard.
After Steyn City, riders cycled under the R511 before turning left into Riversands Boulevard to the finish. The uphill part of the last few kilometres showcases why it is called Joburg’s toughest race. Cyclists then took a sharp right turn onto Mnandi Road, followed by a 3km ride uphill to Summit Road, and then they would follow the route of last year’s race.
The cyclists then passed Waterfall Country Estate on Woodmead Drive, then onto the M1 South, which is one of the favourite parts of the ride for many.
Cyclists then took the city loop through downtown Joburg and headed down Jan Smuts past the Johannesburg Zoo. They then rode through Randburg, and met up with Witkoppen Road.
Cyclists rode down Malibongwe Drive to the Lion Park, turned right onto the R114 then right again on to Cedar Avenue. After Steyn City, the last few kilometres on Riversands Boulevard made them climb to the finish line.
Almost 33 000 cyclists will participate in the race.
