Namibian cyclist takes home the gold in Virgin Active 947 Rider Joburg race
Originally staying in Switzerland, cyclist Vera Looser was glad she was able to overcome the difference in altitude levels to win the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg.
A Namibian cyclist crossed the finish line to be crowned overall women’s winner of the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg race.
Beginning the ride at FNB Stadium, Vera Looser (29) was the first to cross the line in the race among 14 000 avid riders cycling for various causes or for the fun of the ride.
The route of the race had travelled extensively throughout the city, including Fourways areas such as Douglasdale, Kyalami, Kingfisher just to name a few local well-known spots.
Looser ran on the podium and cheerfully received her winning cheque, trophy and champagne bottle which she sprayed on her fellow cyclists Tiffany Keep and Kim le Court who came second and third respectively.
She recalled feeling pleased with her win of the race, especially since she had taken part in the mountain bike race version of the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg race held at Steyn City a week earlier.
“To be honest, it’s been a long year for me. I’ve been racing since the end of July and constantly in Europe. I then came down to South Africa for a mountain bike race and saw the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg mountain bike and road race and thought let me also take part there,” she said.
Currently living in Switzerland, Looser arrived in the Western Cape before taking part in the Ride Joburg race and was at a different altitude than what she is used to. Looser had spent the week before the road race acclimatising to the inland altitude.
“Coming to Joburg, the altitude is quite a challenge for me coming from sea level. The race itself was incredible riding on the highways especially since I drove on the highway not too long ago. It was an absolutely cool experience and finishing at FNB Stadium is really special as well.”
The 29-year-old said she would take a short break in cycling to get some rest but will take part in a race in Namibia. After that, it is back to training for the new year ahead and any other races she will encounter.
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