Local cyclist triumphs at Biggarsberg Cycle Challenge

For their first venture into the competitive world of cycling, Dundee Tourism did a sterling job of arranging and hosting the first Biggarsberg Cycle Challenge on Sunday. The event saw around 40 cyclists from around KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding area tackling a choice of two challenging routes.
Bracing, frosty conditions greeted the competitors early at Talana Museum, where the cyclists took on 75km up and down the Wasbank Valley route.

Approximately 20 marshals had been put through their paces by Richard Dlamini of KZN Cycling to ensure that they had a basic knowledge of ‘crowd and traffic control’ to ensure the safety of the cyclists and other road-users.
Pam McFadden of Dundee Tourism said the committee had worked tirelessly to glean sponsorship from the district municipality and private businesses. “All marshals were given a stipend and a meal. It was a way of introducing them to marshalling and we are sure this basic skill will put them in good stead for other sporting events in the area.”
The Traffic Department and paramedics were also present to ensure that the race went off as smoothly as possible.

The 34km race gave spectators a virtual photo finish, with Vryheid’s Willem Richter finishing the route in 1:07.00. Dundee rider Isaac Swart was a fraction of a second behind in second place, with Ladysmith’s Marnus van der Merwe in his shadow.

The 75km, which turned out to be a 62km route, saw Newcastle’s AC Swanepoel finishing in 1:47.45, comfortably ahead of Lammies de Wet (1:59.35) and Francois de Jager (who is still under 19) in 1:59.38.
Bianca Cooper of Newcastle was the first lady rider home in 2:00.27.

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