The WP and West Coast Cycling Associations collaborated to host a cycling event on the Velddrif to Velddrif loop via the roads of Velddrif, Piketberg and Elands Bay, which resulted in this vast area being a vibrant sea of cycling enthusiasts from near and far.
One of the event’s standout features was its commitment from Jan Faro of West Coast Cycling, Nomonde Ndlangisa and Chevon Ellis of Berg River Tourism to make this event happen.
The roads through Piketberg were marshalled by Piketberg Law Enforcement, Piketberg Development Cycling Club, Piketberg Neighbourhood Watch as well as the standby fire crew. Traffic was controlled by the traffic officials and the staff who gave up their Sunday to ensure the safety of all the participants.
The Velddrif to Velddrif loop is 222 km and the participants enjoyed miles of scenic beauty, especially now that the Spring flowers are starting to show. This offered tremendous encouragement to the participants, whether tackling a steep hill or simply enjoying the ride.
At the finish line on the outskirts of Laaiplek, smiles were abundant as participants exchanged stories of their ride and celebrated their achievement of completing the 222 km.
Cyclists raced with a handicap system in place, the fastest cyclists starting last, giving them opportunity to catch up with those ahead of them or for those ahead of them to stay ahead. This meant there were two sets of winners – those crossing the finish line first and those with the shortest time taken to completing the course.
The Group 4 leaders (fastest group) so nearly caught up with the leading riders from Group 1 (the slowest group). After starting two hours later than Group 1, they finished only 10 minutes behind.Here are the first three cyclists to cross the line:Men:
1. Adrian Haupt (7 hours, 38 minutes)
2. Anwar Railloun
3. Dogon WiltonWomen:
1. Megan West (7 hrs, 30 mins)
2. Lize Cornelius
3. Hayley Preen
The fastest male rider was Daniel Loubser, in 5 hours, 56 minutes, and the fastest female rider Hayley Preen, in 6 hours, 31 minutes.
