Gert takes the win at Alzu

At the fourth annual Tour de Farm race that was held at Alzu Petroport N4 Gert Janse van Rensburg from eMalahleni took the win in the 75km race.

Gert won in a time of 2:55:9, second place went to Gerhard Strydom in a time of 2:55:24.
More than 1000 cyclists entered the Tour de Farm race on Saturday, November 7 and they competed in various distances from a one kilometre to five kilometre race for the little ones and then there was a 15km, 35 km and 75km.
Last year he came in second place by a few seconds and last year he was determined to win the race.

In an interview last year with Gert he said;

“I will be back, just watch this space.”

The weather played along well as it was a lovely hot day, the wind was not that pleasant making some sections of the route and the dryness of the farm route tough.

Gert Janse van Rensburg pushing his body on the 75km Tour de Farm at Alzu Petroport N4 on Saturday, November 7.

The 75km race was the first race to start on the morning. As the cyclists were sent off, the top participants knew they had to stick together through the duration of the race, as there was R10 000 up for grabs for the winner.
Gert who started in the middle of the group knew that he had it in his legs to get to the front of the pack before the single track section in the forest.
Pushing his body to the limit he was well ahead with the top cyclists as they navigated themselves along the route.

“At one stage I went wrong as the arrows on the route were changed, luckily I realised that early enough and turned around, where I managed to catch the rest of the group that is when I was in sixth place,” said Gert.

As he continued to cycle, someone in the crowd shouted: “you’re in sixth place” and then he knew he could win this race.
They went over the new floating bridge that was built and a few changes were done to the course.
Reaching the last few kilometres Gert knew that it was do or die, so he broke away and worked extra hard alone.

“I just had to lie down on my bars and push with everything I had in my legs,” said the enthusiastic cyclist.
Coming into the finish, it was clear that Gert had worked hard on his bicycle, taking a clear win.
“I am happy with the win and I will be back next year to better my time,” he continued.

Gert Janse van Rensburg receiving his prize money on Saturday, November 7.

Many cyclists from eMalahleni competed in this race and everyone enjoyed every moment of it.
Most cyclists from eMalahleni will continue training as they all look forward to next year’s Alzu race to end off the year of mountain bike cycling.