GALLERY: Cyclists dash through Delta Park

DELTA PARK – Yet another successful Delta Dash is held, to the enjoyment of 315 riders.

April 17, 2016

Neo Phashe 2 minutes read

It was a glorious day to cycle on 16 April when Delta Park School hosted its annual Delta Dash. Avid cyclists gathered together to experience the unique cycle endurance race.

One of the organisers, Ronel Weidman, said that this was the seventh year it has taken place and about 315 cyclists participated. She added that 2016’s event was focused solely on mountain biking, unlike other years that focused more on fun aspects for families. The objective was to cycle as many laps around the park as possible between 9am and 3pm.

The six-hour endurance race had riders endure diverse settings – many of which mimicked our African terrain when it came to the lush green of some areas and the dry, ruggedness of others. The riders battled the heat and experienced the different planes of our continent all in one day.

Weidman divulged that riders thought the course to be a tough though lovely ride. “Riders had positive feedback and suggestions, the riders also said that they loved the portion of ride through the school,” said Weidman. When asked why Delta Park was specifically chosen, Weidman said that the choice was easy as the school is situated at the park. She added that they hope to partner with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, where they could develop a commutable route through the park so that everyone is catered for. “This would be great not only for cyclists but for walkers, runners and bird watchers too,” said Weidman.

The average cyclist age for the event was late 20s and 30s, and junior riders started from 13 years.

Riders Annie du Pre and Melissa Kretzinger said they thought Delta Dash was a great event. They also won the female team category along with their partner Gemma Shales as they managed 19 laps.

The winners of the race were:

Individual Male Rider

• Julius Cobbett with 21 laps.

Individual Female Rider

• Tamaryn Kietzmann with 19 laps.

Team category

Male:

• Ryan and the Nigerians with 23 laps.

Female:

• Girls Got Gumption with 19 laps.

Junior teams category

• Affies with 22 laps.