The fourth stage of the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope was cancelled because of heavy winds in the Boland region less than 15km after the start from La Paris Estate near Paarl today.
The decision was made by president commissaire Sammy Hardine, on behalf of Cycling South Africa, following reports of dangerous riding conditions, particularly on the Du Toitskloof and Bain’s passes.
Hardine said their chief concern in calling off the stage had been the riders’ safety.
“Despite the wind, we began the stage this morning because we hoped conditions for racing would be better on the other side of the mountain,” he said.
A marshal on the Bestmed Tour of Good Hope informs the riders that the fourth stage has been cancelled due to a heavy wind shortly after the start from La Paris Estate near Paarl today. Photo: Robert Ward
VIDEO: Watch the announcement of the stage being stopped.
“But soon after the 10km neutral zone I was advised by race director Darren Herbst that the conditions were extreme up the mountain.”
Hardine said they would monitor the situation before making a call on tomorrow’s final stage.
Speaking on behalf of ASG Events, Herbst said it had been a difficult decision but he reiterated the point that the riders’ safety had been their only concern.
Bestmed sales and marketing chief Chris Luyt, who is riding in the race, said he felt the right decision had been made.
“It is disappointing, but you can’t control nature and I support the commissaires’ call,” he said.
The cancellation of the stage means South Africa’s premier road classic, presented by the City of Drakenstein and Scicon, will be decided over four stages.
The final stage tomorrow will see the riders finish at the Taal Monument above Paarl after a relatively short 86.7km stage.
Pro Touch’s Myles van Musschenbroek and dormakaba’s Candice Lill will begin the final day in yellow.
