Elite road cyclist Parys Edwards has kept herself motivated and occupied since road races were put on hold with the return to lockdown Level 3.
The Craighall resident races for Heneways Karan Beef but got into mountain biking at the end of last year and even recorded some good results at multiple-day races around the country.
In road racing, Edwards finished second in the Satellite Classic in Magaliesburg in November.
“It was a good race and they reversed the route so instead of the big climb at the end, we had it 10km in,” Edwards explained.
“Jo [van de Winkel] and I had a good lead and while she kept ahead of me, we stayed well ahead of the other cyclists for much of the way.”
Edwards finished the 106km race in 02:56:54, 30 seconds behind Van de Winkel but about four and a half minutes ahead of Azulde Britz.
Now there are no races on the go and cyclists have been using their smart trainers to compete with each other in virtual races.
Edwards has enjoyed these events as they allowed cyclists to ride together safely.
ALSO READ: Parys Edwards takes second place at Gauteng Champs for new team
She has also been training at the gym at Old Parktonian Sports Club where she works as a sports physio.
“There has been a rise in stress levels as a result of the virus and people are trying out new sports,” she added.
“So there have been a few injuries. I am grateful that I am still able to do my job and help these people.”
This year Edwards aims to target road races when they start again, especially the Amashova Durban Classic and 947 Cycle Challenge, where she finished third in 2019.
ALSO READ: Craighall’s Parys Edwards takes third at Discovery 947 Ride Joburg
