In this, the second of a three-part series, we find out who cycling legend and well-known local commentator Johnny Koen considers the top five South African road cyclists of the 1990s.
Malcolm Lange is in Johnny Koen’s top five of the best South African road cyclists of the 1990s. Photo: Deidre Cloete/Facebook
His list starts with Andrew Mclean, 53, who is a four-time winner of the Giro del Capo and multiple winner of the Cape Town Cycle Tour and 947 Cycle Challenge – both as a veteran and on the tandem.
“Such a pity that Andrew lost the Rapport Toer to Stefan Gottschling in the final stage in 1991 as had he not done so he would have boasted the complete CV,” said Koen.
“I saw Andrew winning everything for a good period in the ’90s, particularly so on the one Hansom Tour where he won every single prize from hotspots to KOMs, points and overall.
“Andrew has continued to be an amazing ambassador for our sport.”
The 46-year-old Malcolm Lange is next on the list.
Lange won the national road champs three times and also rode in two events at the 1992 Olympics.
“He arrived on the scene at the end of the 1980s and continued winning well into the 2000s,” said Koen.
Nic White, 46, is the next rider on Koen’s list.
“Giro del Capo, Tour of the South China Sea and Tour of Morocco victories by this classy cyclist, who captained our national team for several seasons, ensure Nic’s inclusion among these greats.”
Douglas Ryder, 48, is next on his list of top riders. The current team principal at NTT Pro Cycling competed in the individual road race at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
“Cape Town Cycle Tour and Boland Tour winner, beating some serious ONCE pros on that occasion, while Doug has broken all barriers as a team owner, taking his SA-backed teams right onto the WorldTour,” said Koen.
Concluding his list, he says the final slot consists of several riders.
“These legends are all worthy of any ‘best of’ list – Jac-Louis van Wyk, Kosie Loubser, Morne Bester and Blayne Wikner – all really good ones of the ’90s.”
Read: Johnny Koen’s top five SA road cyclists of the ’80s and 2000s.
