MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Heavy thunderstorms and hail could not dampen the spirits of the 242 cyclists competing in the Premjee 76km Cycle Challenge on Saturday, April 23.

The race started at Ridgeway College and cyclists rode through town behind the lead vehicle in a neutral zone. As cyclists left town, racing got underway.

The field quickly split during the climb up Otto’s Hoogte. The first hot spot at the top of Otto’s Hoogte was taken by Rohaan Koekemoer with Johan Grimbeek taking second place and Hennie van Niekerk third.

A leading group of 24 riders quickly opened up a lead on the field and kept together until the Spitzkop climb. The Thabiso Team turned on the power up the climb and reduced the leading bunch to 15 riders. The Spitzkop hot spot was taken again by the same three riders as the first hotspot.

The finish was hotly contested by all 15 riders in the leading bunch and came down to a sprint, with first place going to Hennie van Niekerk in a time of 2:08.21. Second place went to Gert van Niekerk in a time of 2:08:22 and third place went to Rohaan Koekemoer in a time of 2:08:23. Ally Loughor-Clark (2:15:49) took first place for the ladies with Rachette Coetzee (2:16:09) in second place and Natasha van Wyngaard third.

The best-placed young rider was 16-year-old Dawid Pieterse (2:08:33) and the first veteran home was Gerald van der Merwe (2:08:38).

The race organizers would like to thank Rotary, Round Table, Ladies Circle and the MOTHS for the excellent meals served and the professional marshalling services. Once again, the Makhado Municipality traffic department did an excellent job in controlling traffic, allowing for a safe race.

Sponsors generously supplied all entrants with a goody bag and T-shirt. A big thank you also went out to M Premjee & Son Cash and Carry, Green Farms, R McDougall and Son, P&L Hardware Cycling Club and Coca-Cola Fortune who also supplied Powerade and cold drinks for all cyclists.