November 22, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
EVEN pouring rain could not prevent 25 000 passionate cyclists from around the world taking to the streets of Joburg for the eighth annual Pick 'n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge on Sunday, 21 November.
Italian cyclist Antonio Salamone, riding for the Barloworld team, won the elite event -which takes a 180km route through the suburbs of Joburg. He pocketed R16 500 in prize money, after clocking a time of 4:26:05.
The professional cyclist went into the race in a positive frame of mind. "I was very confident I was going to win. Even though I broke my collarbone early this year, I managed to recuperate and started training hard," said Salamone, who was based in Bloemfontein for a month in preparation for the race.
Salamone, who flew home to Italy on Sunday night, congratulated the organisers. "I am very impressed by the organisation of the race and hope this will not be my last race in South Africa."
On Salamone's back tyre were Jacques Fullard (Minolta) and 19-year-old Hanco Kachelhoffer (Excel), who capped a brilliant first year in the elite ranks with a fine podium finish.
The 94.7km women's race saw defending champion, Elsa Karsten (Proline), try everything in her power to stave off the challenge of arch rival, Anke Erlank (Microsoft) - but to no avail.
"I knew with five kilometers to go that I had to go for it, and that's when I really put the hammer down and managed to drop Ronel," said a happy Erlank.
Erlank, who finished the race in a time of 02:39:04, pocketed prize money of R7 700. She was followed by Karsten (Proline) and Ronel van Wyk (Liberty).
The Challenge was also seen as a chance for talent scouts and professional teams to observe the abilities of disadvantaged cyclists, many of whom do not belong to clubs and miss out on advice and support. Some also struggle with transport to and from races.
Thato Tsoeute, a 37-year-old cyclist, travelled all the way from Lesotho to South Africa to take part in the Challenge, hoping someone might recognise his talent and sponsor him.
"I really enjoyed the race. The people in my group were really fantastic," he said.
"I don't know if I'll come back next year because I have no sponsor. It's been very hard for me over the years to come here and cycle, but I'm glad I've made it."
Unlike other cyclists, with their expensive lighter aluminium bikes, Tsoeute's bike is rusty and very heavy. "I've been cycling for 11 years and have always used this bike. I hope I'll get a sponsor one day, which will enable me to get a bike that is up to standard," he adds.
Some members of the Shova Lula Cycle Co-operative, from Ivory Park, didn't make it to the race because they didn't have transport.
"Although 30 members registered for the race only 18 came through because they didn't have transport. We are very passionate about cycling and only need one thing - a sponsor," said the co-operative's Tebogo Chidi.
"Our bikes are not up to standard. I've been cycling for four years without a sponsor and it's very hard for me, but I can't give up now. Anyone who can help us, please do so," he pleaded.
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