Former South African professional Mark Beneke is at home recovering from a heart attack he suffered earlier this month. Photo: Rapport/Supplied
Former South African professional cyclist Mark Beneke is recovering at home following an emergency operation after suffering a heart attack on October 9.
The 61-year-old Beneke was doing his regular cycle ride in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, when he had the attack.
His brother, Gary, said Mark started to feel faint and strange during the ride near his house.
“He immediately went to a nearby hospital where they admitted him and treated him,” Gary said.
“This was fortunate as it could have saved him.
“They put in a stent that afternoon and he remained in ICU for the next three days, being discharged on the Monday afternoon.
“Naturally, he is on medication but all seems good at this stage and he is recovering at home.”
Beneke was one of the leading cyclists in the country during the 1980s and early 90s, competing as a professional from 1982 to 1993.
He won the Rapport Toer road race in 1985 and 1991.
