Louis Trichardt was literally transformed into a cycling hotspot when some 1 300 cyclist from across the country descended on the Soutpansberg to take part in the annual Kremetart Cycle Race.

The 175km stage race once again lived up to its reputation as one of the best races in South-Africa, with 1087 cyclists competing in the race. Once again there was no shortage in top SA cycling names in the starting line-up with several national teams also competing.

It was an early rise for participants in the main race, with the first of the four stages finishing at Waterpoort (53km), the second at Vivo (48km), the third at Schoemansdal (52km) and the final stage back in Louis Trichardt (22km).

Once again it was a fierce battle between some of the country’s top cyclists and teams.

In the end, it was Jacques Janse van Rensburg from team DCM who walked away as overall winner of the 2010 Kremetart Stage Race, finishing the gruelling 175km race in a combined time of 04:22:47. His time over the four stages was just 14 seconds better than that of runner-up Graeme Cronjé from Velo Cycling Club, who finished the race in a time of 04:23:01. Taking third place was Nico Bell from Jock Cycling Club. Being no stranger to the podium, Bell finished the race in a time of 04:23:06.

In the women’s race, top SA cyclist Cherise Taylor almost made a clean sweep, winning three of the four stages to clinch the category. Her overall win, however, did not come easily, with another top SA women’s rider, Anriette Schoeman from Cyclelab Supercycle, breathing down her neck for the duration of the race. The race between Taylor and Schoeman was so close that both finished the race in a combined time of 05:16:47. First place, however, went to Taylor, due to her three stage wins. Schoeman only secured a stage win in the third stage. Third place in the women’s category went to Lizanne Naudé from Toyota Super Cycling, who finished in a combined time of 05:17:29.

The 70km rave drew close to 200 entries. Here the overall winner was Henrico van Niekerk from Cyclelab Supercycling, finishing the race in a time of 02:07:37. Second place went to Club 100 cyclist Dirkie van der Merwe in a time of 02:08:42, with Pierre van den Hoft taking third position in 02:11:13.

As for the women’s category, top honours went to P&L cyclist Renata Joubert from Louis Trichardt in a time of 02:25:00. She finished the race three minute faster than her nearest competitor, Elbie Lourens from the Polokwane Pedallers, who finished in 02:28:12. Third place went to Claudia Bold in a time of 02:30:54.

For the complete racing results, visit www.championchip.co.za.