Cape cycle win dedicated to a mourning Franschhoek
CAPE Town Cycle Tour champion Nolan Hoffman dedicated his win to his mourning home community of Franschhoek yesterday after outsprinting some of the toughest international riders.
The tour, dubbed the “Show You Care Solidarity Ride”, saw nearly 34 000 local and international cyclists complete the shortened 47km route in support of firefighters and those affected by fires that ravaged the southern peninsula last week.
“Our condolences go out to the families of those involved. There were people we knew in there, and we keep the small community close to our hearts,” he said of the Franschhoek bus accident that killed two local rugby players and a supporter, while two cyclists were injured too.
The new route began at the Civic Centre, went on to the end of the M3 highway, and then came back to the finish in Green Point along Helen Suzman Boulevard.
Hoffman, who rides for Team Abantu, snatched victory for the second consecutive time in one hour, one minute and 49 seconds.
Behind him was Tyler Day of Team Westvaal, followed by Brenton Jones of Drapac in third place.
All eyes were on Mark Cavendish, winner of 25 Tour de France stages and widely considered to be the fastest road cyclist in the world. But Cavendish ended in sixth place. The elite ladies raced in their own start group for the first time this year, and Lynette Burger (Team Activate Demacon), who gave birth to a son nine months ago, took first place in 1:17.52.
Last year's women’s winner, Cherise Stander (Team RECM) claimed the silver medal and Maroesjka Matthee (Team Bestmed ASG) bronze.
Matthee said: “We rode our hearts out for the firefighters, and for those who have been affected by the fires. They are the real champions.”
NOLANHoffman (Team Abantu) defended his Cape Town Cycle Tour title in superb fashion yesterday, as he raced over the finish line in one hour, one minute and 49 seconds (01:01:49) in this year’s 47km “Show You Care Solidarity Ride”.
Thousands of riders dressed in red to support those affected by the tragic fires burning on the mountains around Cape Town over the past week.
The shortened circular route was a salute to the Volunteer Wildfire Services, SANParks Fire Fighting initiatives and other volunteers for their heroic efforts.
Hoffman held off stiff competition from silver medallist Tyler Day (Team Westvaal) and third-placed Brenton Jones (Team Drapac).
International cyclists, Team Etixx-Quick Step’s Mark Cavendish and main lead-out man Mark Renshaw, competed in their first South African race, but could not outsprint Hoffman.
Ecstatic to hold off competition from top international and local riders to secure his second consecutive Cycle Tour win, Hoffman praised his “flawless” team.
“Today we bided our time and stayed close to the front throughout the entire route,” Hoffman said afterwards.
“It was only 47km, but it was the hardest 47km.
“There was no place to recover, and before I knew it, there was another hill.
“The downhills were fast, and I was really concerned about Hospital Bend because I knew it was going to make for a really fast finish.
“I’m proud of the way the guys rode today – they stuck to the tactic and executed it to perfection.
“My teammates were fantastic.”
Lynette Burger clinched the number one spot in the women’s category for the first time.