Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, 18^th November

Although the Momentum 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge was my last goal for the season, racing for me has still not come to an end. 

A week after the Momentum 94.7 MTB event, I took part in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge as well. It is one of South Africa’s biggest road races with 26 000 competitors taking to the start. We started in Woodmead and cycled the 94.7km loop through the streets and highways of Johannesburg to finish at Waterfall Country Estate.

Our 4 man (woman) team consisted mainly of mountain bikers namely Nicci Grobler, Catherine Williamson, Leana de Jager and myself.

During the early stages of the race a steady pace was set up front as a few teams tried to establish an early break. With this plan not succeeding, teams started pushing the pace higher on the climbs consequently reducing the numbers in the leading group.  Just before we got onto the N14 highway Sharon Laws (Team 

Momentum Cycle Lab) who hails from England broke clear from the leading group and soloed all the way to the finish to take the victory on the day.

As soon as Sharon’s lead grew to over 4 min it became clear that the group won’t be able to real her back in and started racing for 2^nd place. The last 10km stretch back to Waterfall Country Estate included 3 long drags and here the final moves of the day were made reducing the field to a mere 14 riders which included my teammate Catherine Williamson and myself.

Catherine had a very classy ride and took the bunch sprint to finish 2^nd overall with Cherise Taylor in 3^rd place. 

Coronation Double Century, 24 Nov

Two days prior the start of the Coronation Double Century (CDC) I received a phone call from Isabel Moolman asking me to join their Mr Price team for the event. They say you regret more the things you don’t do than the things you do. Needless to say on Saturday morning I found myself standing on the start line of the CDC in Swellendam.

The CDC represents quite a unique racing format. Teams consisting of 12 riders are set of at 1 min intervals to complete the 200km course in the fastest time possible. 

The weather conditions on the day proved to be an even bigger challenge than the distance as we had to deal 

with rain and strong winds.

The 9 men in our team set a fast tempo on the front from start to finish while the 3 girls (Isabel  Moolman, Claire  Matthews and me) hanged on for dear life. The hanging on paid off at the end and we crossed the finish line in 3^rd place in the mix category.

The Mr Price team (support included) is a great group of people together and I really enjoyed spending time with them on and off the bike.

On Thursday I will be taking part in the Southern Tropical Challenge alongside a good friend, Aurelie Halbwachs. The event is a 4 day mountain bike stage race traversing the Island of Mauritius. I can’t think of a better place to end the season and start the holiday!