More than 120 cyclists set off for the fifth annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge from the South Campus of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley under grey, cloudy skies, their energy unhindered by the weather.
With this event on Saturday 8 November, every kilometre covered represented a promise of a brighter future through the Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Fund, which raises money for student financial aid, social impact initiatives and the long-term sustainability of the SPU.
Riders came from Itsoseng and Taung (North West), Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp (Northern Cape), Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and Welkom (Free State), and Maseru (Lesotho), with one from KwaZulu-Natal. They united with the wider Kimberley community to champion education.
The winners and runners-up in the different categories are:
- 100km male: Egon Cambell: 2:37:49; Izak Strauss: 2:41:13; and Jean Fourie: 2:41:14.
- 100km female: Elmien Voster: 3:40:58; Anica du Toit: 4:04:36; and Carla van Jaarsveld: 5:04:35.
- 50km male: Meyer Botha: 1:17:58; Marcel Karsten: 1:23:26; and Ben van der Linde: 1:24:18.
- 50km female: Ulrike de Wit: 1:31:36; Karin Erasmus: 1:37:10; and Heidi Hanekom: 1:42:21.
- 25km male: Atlegang Ntshoe: 1:11:32; Jacobus Johannes Rossouw: 1:11:47; and Danie Steyn: 1:11:50.
- 5km female: Mari-Zanne le Roux: 1:14:30; Millicent Selloane Itumeleng: 1:24:26; and Marne Sciocatti: 1:35:24.
Before the race, deputy vice-chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof. Paul Green, reminded partipants that this is the only officially sanctioned road cycling event in the Northern Cape recognised by Cycling South Africa.
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At the prize-giving ceremony, acting vice-chancellor and principal, Prof. Debra Meyer, recognised the organisers and volunteers for hosting a safe and spirited event and commended the marshals for dedication and care along the routes. She also acknowledged the generosity of the sponsors and partners whose contributions made the day possible.
Meyer commended the dedication of the SPU staff members who joined the race: Heidi Hanekom, lecturer in Natural Science Teaching in the Faculty of Education; Fatima Ajimudin, lecturer in Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education, and Timolene Sanderson, officer: administration in the Information and Communication Technology Department.
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