Masters riders in the 2017 SA National Road Championships in the Western Cape had to deal with extreme heat in their events last week.
The mixed tandem podium at the SA Road Championships in Wellington on February 10. Photo: DoubleST
Despite the temperature reaching over 40 degrees Celsius at times, it did not stop Cathy Carstens finishing first in the women’s 55-59 category, while also winning the overall 50-59 group.
“It was a big challenge for me and it was really exciting because the 50-54 group of ladies were very competitive,” she said.
Also having to handle the heat was Matthew Fortuin, who claimed the gold medal in the U17 boys’ category.
“There were a lot of attacks and the last 5km was intense because lots of people tried to break away,” he said.
“I managed to close the last three attacks down with 3km to go, and kept it together until the line.”
On Sunday, world champion Deno van Heerden claimed the gold medal for the 35-39 category and the 30-39 group. Franco Ferreira took gold in the men’s 30-34 division.
After winning the tandem mixed race with Susan Melmed on Friday, David Garrett won the 40-44 road race on Sunday.
For more, visit SA National Road Championships.
