GALLERY and VIDEO: 3 300 cyclists compete in Berge en Dale
MULDERSDRIFT – Cyclists return to participate in the 16th Berge en Dale Classic.
The weather might not have been ideal for a Saturday braai, but dry and not too hot was perfect for a cycling race. The Rudy Project Berge en Dale Classic cycling race took place on 6 February, with eager cyclists leaving from the start at Cradlestone Mall in Muldersdrift.
Cyclists from as young as 16 up to the age of 75 rode their bicycles from the designated parking to be at the start at 6am. According to race organiser Wynand de Villiers, it was the 16th Berge en Dale Classic to be held. About 3 300 cyclists gathered in groups to wait their turn to start either a 106km or 55km race.
Road works on the N14 and R28 caused the traditional route to be changed. “Riders had to take a detour off Beyers Naudé Drive after Valverde Country Hotel to access Muldersdrift from the opposite side,” said route director Darren Herbst.
“The cyclists were placed in groups of about 200 cyclists according to the length of the race and their age group,” said De Villiers. Apart from the single races, a group of tandem cyclists also participated. “The day went very well, we are very happy. This race is used as a qualification for the Cape Argus,” explained De Villiers.
Gustav Basson from Team RoadCover crossed the finish line first in a time of 02:34:59. His teammate, Clint Hendricks, finished a few seconds after him in 02:35;09 and Bradley Potgieter was third in 02:35:10. Hendricks also won the first leg of the inaugural ProTouch National Criterium Series, presented by Liberty at Silverstar Casino directly after the road race. The women’s event was won by Madelaine Snoer.
“Our win was a solid team effort. From the start, five guys broke away from the group. I am very happy to have this victory,” said Basson. He said that this was his third Berge en Dale race and the first time he has won it. “This is a very nice race, but a hard one with a few climbs. It is a nice way to get into the upcoming South African Road Championships.”
The women’s race was won by Team Time Freight’s Kim le Court in a time of 03:03:11. Carla Oberholzer from team Clover came in second in 03:03:12 and Lise Olivier from Time Freight took the third place in 03:03:13.
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