Impey, Moolman-Pasio victorious in 2017 Cycle Challenge
RIVERSANDS – Daryl Impey claimed his maiden win in a major South African road cycling event, while Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio made it a record four wins at the 2017 Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge.
An air of anticipation hung over Riversands Commercial Park in Fourways as thousands lined up to brave 95km of cycling in the 21st edition of the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge on 19 November.
In the men’s elite section, South African professional road cyclist and International Cycling Union ProTeam Orica-Scott rider, Daryl Impey, stole the show as he claimed his maiden 947 Cycle Challenge win, crossing the finish line in a time of 2:13:30.
Impey was one minute ahead of Calvin Beneke of Team BCX, while Eddie van Heerden of Team RoadCover came in third. Impey, who is the first African cyclist to have worn the yellow jersey in the Tour de France said, “It was a nice surprise, I didn’t come here expecting too much. My body was feeling quite good and allowed me to be in the front forcing the pace, which is when I realised that there was a better chance of winning out of a small group than a big one.”
A breakaway group comprising Impey and Beneke formed along the M1 Highway off Corlett Drive and sped off into the Joburg CBD, past Braamfontein and Newtown before cycling over the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge. Cyclists then shot onto Jan Smuts Avenue before tackling a testing incline that led into Steyn City.
Impey said the race became difficult on the Steyn City uphill with about 25km to go. The 32-year-old, however, said his experience was invaluable in wrestling the initiative.
“I come from racing in Europe where I’m racing at that top level all the time. I had a bit of an advantage over the guys because the level over here is obviously a little bit lower.
“That being said, the guys are surprisingly strong.They train hard for this race and the teams are riding well together.” Beneke conceded that the course was difficult and said, “Racing against guys who are seasoned always forces us to up our game and is just better for the sport. I appreciate it and really enjoy racing against guys who are better in the higher class.”
Van Heerden added that he too was pleasantly surprised at the race outcome. “The plan was just to help the team and try to get the win,” he said. “I was actually lucky enough to get the podium.”
Meanwhile, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio became the first women to win the women’s elite race four times after race wins in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. She’s also the first to win it under four different teams. Moolman-Pasio, racing under Team Bia Africa, finished the race in 2:35:55, followed by Vita Heine and Christa Riffel in second and third place respectively.
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