Embittered Van Zyl shows field clean set of heels

Wesley Bo on

With controversy hanging over the closing stages of the popular campaign, Irvette van Zyl (right) made a silent statement yesterday by charging to a gun-to-tape victory at the sixth and final leg of the Spar Women’s Grand Prix, while Glenrose Xaba did enough to secure the series title.

Producing a dominant performance in the 10km road race at Marks Park, Van Zyl stormed to a convincing victory in 34:07, crossing the line nearly a full minute clear of her nearest opponent.

Ultra-distance specialist Gerda Steyn flaunted her speed in the build-up to next month’s New York Marathon, taking second place in 34:57 on her Grand Prix debut, with defending series champion Kesa Molotsane finishing third a further two seconds off the pace.

“I went out hard at the beginning because I knew the second half was tricky,” Van Zyl said.

“I was running on my own, which is never easy, but I am very happy with the win.”

Though it remained unclear where the majority of athletes would finish in the final Grand Prix rankings, due to an ongoing dispute, Xaba earned enough points to avoid the controversy and wrap up the title.

Xaba ended fourth in 35:05 and was rewarded for her consistent performances throughout the year by clinching the overall crown and the R185 000 winner’s cheque.

The rest of the rankings would not be released, however, until Athletics South Africa (ASA) had made a final decision on an appeal filed after the penultimate leg of the campaign in Pietermaritzburg in August.

Though four athletes had been disqualified from the Pietermaritzburg race for taking the wrong route, they were later reinstated by provincial body KwaZulu-Natal Athletics, despite running around 600 metres short.