Payback time as Kachelhoffer edges champ Burger on line
AN-LI KACHELHOFFER powered to victory in a sprint finish to cross the line in 2 hours 51 minutes 26 seconds in the Cape Town Cycle Tour women’s race yesterday.
Kachelhoffer took first place ahead of defending champion Lynette Burger. Third was Namibian Vera Adrian, who recently beat Kachelhoffer in the African championships.
Both Adrian and Burger crossed the line in the same time as Kachelhoffer. It was a chaotic beginning with the elite women starting out just two minutes ahead of the men’s field and being caught within the first 5km.
It made life difficult for the elite women as they were part of much larger groups than usual. A small group of women cyclists came through Chapman’s Peak in with a shout of victory, but ultimately it would be Kachelhoffer who would triumph.
Speaking of her biggest win, Kachelhoffer said: “I’ve been looking forward to winning this race my whole career. Coming back from the Continental Champs where I came second, to take the top step on the podium – I’m just over the moon,” said Kachelhoffer.
“Going up Chapman’s I put in quite a big effort to split up the bunch. And over Suikerbossie I went again. It was a crazy mess of a ride and I just managed to wriggle my way through to the line.” Kachelhoffer said she was planning her year around the Rio Olympics. “I’m on a long list for the Olympics, but I’ve learnt that your slot is never safe. I’m going over in April for the European season before coming back here in June... with the main focus on the Olympics.”
Despite not being able to defend her title, Burger was pleased with her runner-up placing.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t finish it off, but I'm still very happy with second place,” said Burger. “We managed some good racing today with some of the slower veteran men, even though they're still very fast. “I remember racing with her (Kachelhoffer) last year, and she did everything to help me to the win. It’s almost good payback for her (this time). She’s very strong at the moment.”
Adrian, like Burger, was pleased with the top-three finish. She said having the men join the elite women’s bunch definitely had an effect. “It’s more hectic, you have to keep your nerves. There were so many people, there was screaming, but I think that helped us to a faster time.” – ANA