The Lowveld is currently playing host to the 2015 Pennypinchers South African Road, Time Trial and Para-cycling Championships in Mbombela and top quality racing is expected as the nation’s best vie for the coveted title of being crowned national Champion.
Dane Wilson came in second to Craig Ridgard but was happy with his race on Tuesday. Photo: craigdutton.com
The six day event started this morning with para-cycling as well as the Under-12 Boys’ and Under-14 Girls’ time trials.
Current SA Time Trial champ Daryl Impey hopes to add a first ever SA Road Championships title to his trophy cabinet by overthrowing current road race title holder Louis Meintjes.
The ladies charge will be led by Ashleigh Moolman Pasio who is out to defend both the Road Race and Time Trial titles she won in 2014.
A large contingent of para-cyclists is relishing this year’s national contest and with the absence of the most successful para-cyclist in South African history, Ernst van Dyk, a number of riders hope to be the first in line for this year’s title.
Today’s racing was hard fought with a number of para-cycling time trials being contested.
Craig Ridgard won the C3-5 Time Trial ahead of Dane Wilson in a time of 28:57.
“The course was pretty technical but it was a great course!” he said happily. “I am busy building towards the road race and I think that the result today was a good confidence booster for me heading into that.”
Wilson is busy preparing himself for the Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands in a few months’ time.
“There is a lot of crossing over from track to the road and to use a race like this to prepare was great for me as it allowed me to ride for a longer period on an undulating, technical time trial route.
H2 hand cycling ace Justine Asher was also on the top step of the podium on the opening day in Mbombela and she too was complimentary about the conditions and course.
“Today went really well for me and the lovely weather and smooth roads helped me get the best out of myself today.
“I think I am more geared to Time Trial racing so it was great to get a win today but I will look to do the same on Wednesday at the road race as I build up towards the World Cup events and the World Champs later in the year,” Asher mentioned.
Visit South African Road, Time Trial and Para-cycling Championships for more event information.
