Cyclists take up the challenge
The Springs Girls' High School (SGHS) Auto Alphina 93/9 East Rand Stereo Mountain Bike Challenge was well attended on Saturday.
This is an annual event, held at Nigel Bottling Industries, that draws cyclists from all over the East Rand, and this year was no different with the 226 entrants.
The race started at 8am.
Event organiser Yolanda van Greunen says is it wonderful to see children finish the long distances.
Several children chose the 15km distance, although quite a few challenged the 44km.
This includes Jayden Gould (11), a Springs Wheelers Cycling Club member, who thoroughly enjoyed the ride and says the distance was worth it.
The results are as follow:
Nicholas Lee crossed the 15km finish line first with Willem Dykstra shortly behind him.
Wikus Mills came in third.
The first woman to cross the 44km finish line was Elizma Wheeler (02:04:22), and in second place Leanie Lange (02:05:48) with Amy Green in third place (02:29:11).
Kevin Hutton was the first man to finish the 44km with a time of 1:42:37.
Johan Erasmus was second (1:42:40) and Raymond van Deventer, third (1:43:01).
Lee-Ann Lawrence crossed the 66km finish line first in a time of 03:09:47.
Julie Donaldson was second (03:22.58) and Tammy Whitby third (03:41:01).
The first man to cross the 66km finish line was Cobus van der Berg (02:13:34) followed by Juan van der Merwe (02:13:42).
Yolanda says the team spirit was overwhelming and they look forward to next year’s event.
