Cyclists to test form at Berge en Dale
With it scheduled a mere week before the South African road championships, this Saturday’s Rudy Project Berge en Dale cycling classic on the West Rand carries extra importance for the country’s top professionals.
This Saturday’s (6 February) Rudy Project Berge en Dale cycling classic carries extra importance for the country’s top professionals.
This is because cyclists are keeping an eye on next week’s South African road championships.
“Everyone will be looking for a good result a week before the nationals and a lot of riders are working towards the Cape Town Cycle Challenge,” said Road Cover team manager Nic White.
The feature race starts and finishes at Cradlestone Shopping Mall in Krugersdorp with a distance of 102-kilometre.
“It is important to do well there, especially so close to the SAs. The route is pretty similar to last year, with the toughest parts at the beginning. It is undulating but not too hilly and will suit riders who can escape on their own or sprint well from small groups,” he said.
In the absence of Mpumalanga Cycle Tour winner Willie Smit, who was third last year but is currently competing in France, Road Cover will be looking to road captain Bradley Potgieter and Mark van der Merwe in the team vehicle to lead.
Potgieter, who won the green sprinters’ jersey in Mpumalanga, leads a young squad that includes Clint Hendricks, a fast finisher who has been on the podium before.
They will be supported by Stuart Fitzpatrick, Kent Main and time-trial specialist Gustav Basson.
Because of road works on the N14 and R28, this year’s route has been slightly changed to ensure riders’ safety.
Route director Darren Herbst said the decision was made to divert the race from its traditional course towards the end.
“Riders will take a detour off Beyers Naude after Valverde Country Hotel to access Muldersdrift from the opposite side via the Cradle road past Kloofzicht Lodge,” said Herbst.
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