FOLLOWING the ground breaking achievement of national cycling hero Robbie Hunter, who became the first South African rider to participate in the Tour de France in 2001, the 2015 edition of the Tour de France will see a good representation of South African riders.
The riders roll-out from Utrecht on Saturday, July 4, and cross the finish line in Paris on Sunday, July 26.
Cycling South Africa is very proud of Daryl Impey who resides in the South (Orica-GreenEdge), Jacques Janse van Rensburg, Louis Meintjes and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (all MTN Qhubeka) on their selection for the tour.
Cycling SA President, William Newman, said: “I would like to congratulate all these riders on their selection to participate in the most prestigious event in world cycling. They have worked exceptionally hard and have been rewarded for their efforts. We can assure them that the whole nation will be behind them as they tackle this grueling race. I also congratulate Douglas Ryder and his team for pursuing a dream which they have now achieved. You are making South Africa proud”. These cyclists have paved the way for young riders to come on board and show the world what they are capable of.
Tour de France has been full of firsts for South Africa, with Robbie Hunter being the first South African to win a stage at the prestigious event in 2007, followed by Impey who was the first South African to wear the coveted yellow jersey in 2013. This year we enjoy another first with Team MTN-Qhubeka as the first South African and African team to participate in the Tour de France.
