Irvette back with a bang

Wesley Bo on

Though she cannot lift the Spar Women’s Grand Prix series title, former winner Irvette van Zyl (above) has been delighted with her explosive return to the sport after taking a short break to have her second child.

Lying in 15th place in the standings of the six-leg 10km series, after missing the third leg while in the latter stages of her pregnancy, Van Zyl charged back into form by finishing fourth at the Centurion leg earlier this month, just two months after giving birth.

And with four runners disqualified after taking a wrong turn at the penultimate leg in Pietermaritzburg last week, she coasted to an easy victory, subsequently climbing up to fifth overall.

While she was not within reach of a podium finish, Van Zyl was pleased with her recent efforts.

“A top-three finish is a bit out of reach, but I see this as a post-pregnancy Grand Prix personal best,” Van Zyl said yesterday.

There were multiple changes to the Grand Prix rankings this week following the disqualifications in Pietermaritzburg.

Despite earning no points from the race, Glenrose Xaba was five points clear at the top of the standings with a total of 87 points.

Kesa Molotsane slipped two places to fourth overall following her disqualification in Pietermaritzburg, with Zimbabwean athletes Rudo Mhonderwa and Rutendo Nyahora climbing to second and third positions respectively, both within reach of Xaba should she falter at the final leg.

The final leg of the series will be held at Marks Park in Joburg on October 7.