The iconic Tom Jenkins climb will hold the key to success when the Tshwane Classic is held in Pretoria later this year, says ex-South African road cycling champion Ronel van Wyk.
Former national road cycling champion Ronel van Wyk says the iconic Tom Jenkins climb will play a critical role in the 98km feature race at the Tshwane Classic in Pretoria on November 5. Photo: Supplied
The 39-year-old ace, who has retired from competitive cycling, was involved in a memorable national road race she won in 2005 when the 120km route included the uphill challenge in the late stages of the route.
After a professional career stretched from 1997 to 2007 which included 303 race victories, Le Roux, known for her sprinting rather than her climbing, has strong memories of the Tom Jenkins climb.
“We had all the top female cyclists riding that day and did six laps around the Union Buildings before the last lap took us over Tom Jenkins,” she said of the 2005 championship.
“I knew that Anke Erlank (now Moore) and Dianne Emery would make it very difficult for sprinters like Anriette Schoeman and me.
“Anke attacked before the climb even started and I immediately knew we were all in trouble, except for Dianne.
“Halfway up the climb Anriette eventually joined them and I was stranded in no-man’s land.”
As she approached the halfway mark on the ascent, Van Wyk said she felt she would most likely finish fourth and off the podium.
“But I told myself the race was far from over as we had about 6km to the finish line. I started time-trialling as best I could and, after chasing for about 4km, I could see them about 200m in front of me.
“I knew it was now or never and got out the saddle and started sprinting after them.
“I looked beyond them for the first time and realised that we were hardly 250m away from the finish line. I gave it everything and sprinted straight past them, silently hoping I had enough left to pull it off.
“Obviously, I caught them off guard and their reaction was just not quick enough. They caught me on the line and you could literally cover all four of us under a blanket, but I managed to take an exhausting but ecstatic win.”
Van Wyk said her story from that race was a reminder to never stop believing.
“For the pros, I would advise to go as hard as you can because it is never over until you cross the finish line.
“For the amateurs, it’s long so ease into the climb and stand over the top. On no account must you stop.”
She said the climb would be the talking point of the day because the race on November 5 would be “all about Tom Jenkins”.
