Heavyweights chase race glory
● Bay riders facing stiff competition in Herald tour
Team ProTouch will cut determined figures when they contest the Herald Continental Cycle Tour 106km Coastal Classic race, starting and finishing at Pollok Beach on Sunday.
Current title holder and former BCX rider Clint Hendricks heads a strong team, who are looking to make a magical comeback after missing out on last year’s race due to overseas commitments.
This year they have prepared four of their strongest riders with Hendricks being joined by the likes of team captain Pieter Seyffert, Myles van Musschenbroek and Mitch Eliot.
Team ProTouch owner and team manager Tony Harding said his riders were in their best form and were aiming to make a major impact.
“Hendricks had a contract to ride overseas this year in Germany, but the contract did not happen,” Harding said.
“So, he has actually been floating around in the system and ProTouch decided that as a Commonwealth medal-winner and a guy who is capable of winning most of the races in the country, we thought we should bring him on board. “We think he can benefit us. “Hendricks has currently been training at the UCI school in Paarl, in the Western Cape. “His form is very good. “He won a locally based race in the Cape last weekend,” Harding said.
He said that Hendricks riding in his team was his best chance to win Sunday’s race.
“My guys are all over the place,” he said.
“I’ll try to take the strongest possible team down to the Herald and of the guys who are going there is Myles van Musschenbroek, who is also a very good rider.”
“I am also bringing my team captain, Pieter Seyffert, and Mitch Eliot.”
Team ProTouch will have tough competition on Sunday as Johannesburg-based TEG Pro Cycling have also vowed to bring their best side.
“These guys are very strong – they are going to take it.
“I feel sorry for the local riders,” said team manager Charles Lenczek.
“Eight riders are coming to participate at this year’s race.
“Unfortunately we did not attend last year’s race.
“This is going to be our first one but we are coming with all the big guns.
“We are coming with ex-SA camp U23 and ex-Dimension Data cyclists who used to ride in the World Tour.
“We have a strong team coming down,” he said.
Former winner Nolan Hoffman will also be racing, although not with a team.
He will compete along with two other pro riders, Steven van Heerden and David Maree.
The trio previously raced under Team BCX last year.
In the women’s event, Maroesjka Mathee of Team EMS Cycling will defend her title against the likes of Port Elizabeth pro rider Anriette Schoeman of Team Africa Silks Bestmed.
Race director Julie Briggs said the event was ready to roll.
“In terms of preparations it is going well.
“We have a lot of professional cyclists and big names coming this year and that is something to look forward to.”
The Team Relay (18km MTB leg and 23km road leg) will take place at 7am on Saturday at Pollok Beach, followed by the Junior 2km race at 10am.
The 500m Junior race will take place at 10.30am.
The main event 106km road race starts at 6am on Sunday, followed by the 55km at 8am.
Race packs can be collected at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, from 9am to 7pm on Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.