This past weekend Durban became witness to arguably the best cycling event ever seen! The annual KZN Cycling champs was run over 2 days - Saturday hosting the Time Trial and Sunday the Road Race. With world class athletes participating over a world class course, the weekend was bound to bring fireworks to the tar!
The 30 + team was out in full force for both the time trial and road race . Most of us did the time trial as training for tours further down the line when there is no choice in doing the time trial. For some this proved easier than others, as on this flat circuit loop, there was no time to relax. We had 5 laps to do for a total of 45km. Sean was able to grab a podium in the 30+ cat with a fantastic third.
The following morning took us up the hill into the mountains for the 126km circuit race around Westville. As tradition would have it the start of the day brought rain – not something we really wanted as the down hills were as brutal as the up hills making an already brutal course even more testing. We were to start with the elite and u23 bunch which contained the likes of Burry Stander, Kevin Evans and David George. Not to mention the many other notable campaigners on various international circuits. If that was not enough to scare off any sane person I’m not sure what would!
Never the less we started the race and the heavens opened. Thankfully that kept the rather large and anxious peloton under control for the first 2 laps before the early break was to make a move. Aston Davies and Myles von Muschenbrook went away and managed to amass about 1m30. The lap circuit was a great way for spectators to keep in touch with the race with the climbs up towards Cowies providing fireworks on every lap! Gradually the pace set by the pros and the gradient split the group with three quarters of the bunch disappearing after about lap 4. At this stage the break was brought back and all was neutral again. A few more accelerations were metered out and on lap 8 another Split happened with about 10-15 riders getting away. At this stage only 3 30+ riders were able to hang in with Mr Price riders Sean and Mike in a perfect position to take the podium.
In the final lap Burry Stander and Kevin Evans attacked the bunch and managed to stay away to the end. With the split having enough of a gap, the final climb became a battle field of attacks with overall and category contenders fighting for line honours. Mike made the first move , attacking Nick Portious. All Sean had to do was sit and wait and then ride across to Mike and take the win in the 30+ cat with Mike taking second . Rounding out the results was Emile Fouche with a fine 4th. A really well worked result for the team!
The chase group still had catagory prizes up for grabs. Recently moving up to the 35 + cat, Mr Price team rider Andrew Reeves had to fight it out with Matt Goetch of Fego eventually securing 2nd spot.
Overall a great weekend of racing and a great start to the season for the team.
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