Ivan Venter won the 2016 West Coast Express in a time of 1:59:13 in Cape Town yesterday.
Ivan Venter solos to victory on the Killarney Racetrack at the West Coast Express Funride yesterday. Photo: Double ST
Nicol Carstens finished second in 2:00:07 and David Garrett was third in 2:02:23.
The lead bunch of 20 were split in two after the Tiekiedraai climb and were whittled down even further when Brandon Christians managed to ride clear on the roads through Durbanville.
He was eventually reeled in when a group of eight riders caught him. However, it was just four riders who hit the gravel section first, including eventual winner Venter.
He made his move just after the gravel ended and managed to hold on to the finish.
Venter was able to savour his lap of the Killarney race-track before crossing the line almost a minute ahead of second-placed Carstens.
“I didn’t really come here today with a plan. I didn’t have a team so I just wanted to get some exercise and some racing in the legs,” said Venter.
In the women’s race, Aluis Inglis took the title in 2:22:48.
“Of course I’m thrilled to win, but to be honest I’m still on a high after finishing the Double Century a few weeks ago in 5:46:10,” said Inglis.
The shorter 52km events were won by Stefan Marais (1:41:02) and Leigh Charlton (2:08:39).
