Jean-Pierre Lloyd held off the bunch in the 102km Paarl Cycle Tour to claim an impressive solo victory in his debut outing in the Winelands race.
After two failed breakaway attempts earlier on, the 18-year-old finally broke clear for good at the 80km-mark to cross the line in front of a fast-finishing pack led by Max Sullivan (second) and Jack van Wyk (third).
Jean-Pierre Lloyd, pictured in front and during the junior men’s race at the 947 Cycle Challenge, won the 102km men’s race at the Paarl Cycle Tour today. Photo: Supplied
He did not know what to expect route wise when he came into the race, Lloyd explained afterwards. They also started in the rain and he admitted to not being the most adept at racing on wet roads.
“Luckily it cleared up and it turned out to be the perfect conditions for racing.”
He said the racing was hard from the get go as various riders tried to force the early break.
“There were constant attempts but a major break was never formed and it made for a very punchy race,” Lloyd said, largely putting it down to the flat course.
“I had an early attempt 20km in but got reeled in quickly. Thereafter I broke away with Theuns van der Bank and we stayed away for about 10km before they caught us.”
Lloyd, who studies in Stellenbosch and rides for Team officeguru, said it was gruppo compacto at 60km. He attacked once more, at 80km, to establish what became the winning move.
“Clint Hendricks tried to chase me down for a few kilometres, but I managed to hold onto a sizeable gap.”
He said he sensed the bunch getting closer over the final three kilometres, but that he had enough of a gap to ease off in the dying moments to seal the victory.
Speaking to In the Bunch after the finish, he said the course – which was mainly flat with a few steep rollers thrown in for good measure – suited him.
“I had no expectation of a good result and am surprised with how it turned out. It was great to take my first win as an U23 rider.”
His focus will now revert to the SA Road Champs in Pretoria next week.
