Theo Snitcher, a keen cyclist from Cape Town who entered the RideLondon-Surrey Classic on a whim, will ride for his late father in London on Sunday.
“I entered the ballot for fun and then received confirmation that it was a success.
“It will be my first time riding [in the race] and I’ll participate in the 100-mile event.”
South African cyclist Theo Snitcher, pictured here during a Cape Town Cycle Tour, will dedicate his first RideLondon-Surrey Classic to his late father when he participates in London on Sunday. Photo: Jetline Action Photo
Snitcher, who will participate in his first international event of any kind, said once he was accepted and realised the race was on his late father Norman’s birthday, he took it as a sign.
“I had no idea how I was going to get there, but luckily my local family came to the rescue and assisted with airfare. My family in London were nice enough to offer accommodation.”
He added that he hoped to achieve a finish in a respectable time and experience the vibe of a large international event, but also foresaw a few hurdles.
“The distance and climbing seem to be a challenge, but slow and steady is my motto.”
The 55-year-old, who previously competed in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, an international triathlon hosted in Cape Town and three half-marathons, said he was an avid cyclist as a youngster.
“I rode the Cape Town Cycle Tour (then known as the Argus) in 1987 and 1988. Then life took over, I got married and had two beautiful kids.
“In 2008 my son received a bicycle for his 13th birthday and we agreed to ride the cycle tour together in 2009.”
Snitcher said they rode side by side in hurricane conditions and finished after six hours and 45 minutes.
“Neither of us has missed a cycle tour since. I also started doing triathlons in 2013 and I’m doing the London Triathlon a week after the 100-miler.”
His biggest achievements include a sub-three-and-a-half hours finishing time in this year’s cycle tour and completion of his first Olympic distance triathlon in February. He also competed in a “very slow” Knysna half-marathon and Two Oceans half-marathon.
“My ultimate goal is to compete in the half Ironman sometime soon.”
