Border’s best brace for 1 000 race

CYCLING action kicks into high gear tomorrow when the annual NFB Border 1 000 race is battled out between Stutterheim and East London.

The popular local race has taken place for over 30 years and will again attract the region’s top cyclists.

2015 Border 1 000 champion Craig Alers won’t be back to defend his title as he is out of the country and a number of other cyclists will be vying for the title.

The race is a fast one and in 2015 it was a sprint finish that involved seven cyclists who finished within two seconds of each other. We could be in for a similar finish this time round.

One of the leading men’s challengers will be Jason Peach, who is looking in good form after a solid start to the year.

“I think all the top local guys are going to be there, so it is going to be a tough and competitive race,” said Peach.

“I raced in a criterium at the grand prix track last weekend and won it, so I’ve go a bit of momentum going into this race and I hope I will do well.

“It would be really cool to win. It’s a great race but there are a lot of factors that will come into it, depending on the weather and how the break on the day goes, so I will just see how things go on the day.”

On the women’s front multiple defending champion Cindy Schwulst will be back and leading the charge.

Schwulst has dominated the race over the past few years and will start as a heavy favourite.

“It’s a nice fast race, a race I enjoy doing every year,” said Schwulst.

“I have had some really good training over December. I trained in Pretoria a bit with my coach and I have some big races coming up so I am feeling good.

“It’s nice to have a race early in the year. There are usually a lot towards the end of the year so to have one in January is a nice change and helps to get everything going.”

Along with the main race the 36km fun ride from Macleantown and the 20km junior cycle will also take place. This ensures the less fit, families and youngsters can all get involved.

Registration will be taking place today at Buffs Club from 10am to 3pm and a late entry can be made at registration with a R50 late entry fee.

The race starts at 7.30am tomorrow, all three distances starting at the same time from their respective start points.

For more information go to http://www.nfbborder1000.co.za