Smith wins cycle challenge

Smith crossed the line in two hours, eight minutes and 42 seconds (2:08:42) with Bonitas team-mate Herman Fouche finishing second and Johann Rabie grabbing bronze.

“I’m so happy and thrilled for myself and my team,” Smith said after the race.

“I’m also happy for Herman who came in second, it was a great team effort.

“We were all strong and it’s a great way to end our season.”

Taking part in his third cycle challenge race, Smith said he found the race challenging, but he was determined to win.

“The race was challenging and hard at times especially when we made our way through town,” Smith said.

“Coming into the finish it was chaotic…. I managed to slip away from all of it and caught up with MTN rider JC Nel.

“On the last climb, he was struggling and I managed to drop him and came in solo.”

Smith, who was taking part in his last race for team Bonitas, said he was happy their hard work had paid off this season.

“It’s the end of the season, people are tired and to keep the morale high is really hard, but the team pushed on and kept going,” he said.

“Maintaining your good form throughout the season up ’til [the] end of November is very hard, but I’m glad I kept going.

“Thanks to the team for all the support, Barry Austin and the rest of the group, they all made it easy for us.”

National road race champion, Ashleigh Moolman Pasio took the honours in the women’s race, with defending champion Sharon Laws settling for second place, and Anriette Schoeman finishing third.

– Sapa