From cycle tour agony to victorious ecstasy
Published
6min
By Vanessa Johnstone and Yunus Kemp
The ecstasy of a dramatic race to the finish, the agony of those who didn't make it or came to grief - and, in between, a whole lot of fun.
Sunday's Cape Argus Cycle Tour, the world's biggest timed cycle race, drew 35 000 entrants and left indelible memories.
There was the spectacle: men in shiny blue, pink and red dresses, witches with brooms from as far as Pretoria, helmets decorated with carrots and bull's horns.
The race started smoothly at the crack of dawn outside the Civic Centre and before the average pedaller had gone even half-way, the cream of cycling had raced 109km to the finish line at Green Point, where local boy Douglas Ryder finished just three seconds ahead of Czech rider Lubor Tessar. Ryder, of Harfield Village, completed the race in 2hrs, 31min 58sec.
For most, it was a battle with pain. On the downhills, they pedalled furiously and in some areas got assistance from the wind, but, on steep inclines, the faces contorted into masks of strain.
Along the route, spectators equipped with skottelbraais, blankets and even reclining on couches cheered the riders below brightly decorated bridges.
Five men cooled off in a spa bath and shouted: "Conserve water and bath with a friend."
One, a Wynberg businessman, had filled the tub with water at his Plumstead home, sealed the bath with clingwrap, and placed it next to the M3.
In sharp contrast were the crash victims. The first, on Wynberg Hill, was Andre van der Walt, 15, who collided with Matthew Russell. He had head injuries and was confused. He was taken to Victoria Hospital.
Russell trembled and apologised profusely and said to paramedics: "I can't continue the race until you assure me that Andre is OK."
Paramedic Keith Kleynhans said it was the first of at least 58 accidents, but there were no serious injuries.
In Muizenberg, Janse Marais from Kempton Park in Gauteng was rushed to Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic with both arms bandaged after he fell off his bike.
Chantel de Sousa was lying on a stretcher barely able to move because of muscle spasm. She managed to joke: "Will I be seeded? This is my first race, but I'll be back."
It was a great day for the city's finances as the 1 600 overseas cyclists, and 22 000 visiting competitors from Gauteng and other parts of the country - not to mention their families and supporters, did some prodigious spending.
But a petrol attendant in Muizenberg Main Road was concerned about his employer's profits on race day.
As a motorcyclist stopped to fill up with petrol, he said: "This is the first time in four hours that someone has stopped for petrol.
These cyclists are bad for business today."
Scenic Ou Kaapseweg lacked human support, but baboons turned out in groups along the road and watched the drama unfold.
Halfway through the race, some, like Kevin Ravno, were regretting the whole thing. Kevin said: "I should have slept in late instead of torturing myself like this."
There were teams of business colleagues and family members. Almerie van der Walt of George persuaded all four of her daughters to enter. This was her fourth race, accompanying her 12-year-old daughter, while her other three daughters raced for time.
After a gulp of energy drink, Robin Peacock of Edgemead said: "I qualified to ride in the D race, but for my son's sake decided to enrol in the OH group. But I'm afraid that next year my wife will have to take on the responsibility."
In contrast to patches along the M3 where the smell of braaivleis filled the air, members of the Ocean View community sat or stood along the pavement with bottles of water, vigorously supporting the 35 000 cyclists.
Denvor Lamb said: "This tour is on the top of our list of recreational activities here in Ocean View. Almost the whole neighbourhood comes out in support and we sit here till well after 5pm encouraging the cyclists."
In Sun Valley, Lucas Maqhula, gazing at the onlookers, said: "This is a beautiful reflection of our rainbow nation. But I'm disappointed there are so few black cyclists. I think the organisers should think of a marketing strategy among the black community."
And there were the samaritans. Approaching the top of Ou Kaapseweg, Antoinette de Mendonca of Boksburg, Gauteng, crashed into husband Michael's bike and fell on her face.
A fellow Gauteng cyclist, Sue Gijzen, hopped off her bike in the middle of the road and helped the De Mendoncas while they waited for medics to arrive.
Antoinette was stabilised, and John Roos, the doctor who attended to her, described her condition as stable. She was taken to Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic.
At the finish line in Green Point, thousands of spectators enthusiastically egged on the cyclists, giving encouragement to tired legs, trying to help propel them over the finish line.
With outstretched arms to signal that they had made it, or just letting their heads hang in exhausted satisfaction, cyclists crossed the finish line to a rousing reception.
Since early morning, relatives, friends and cycle enthusiasts had lined the pavements at the finish line in Somerset Road, Green Point, with deckchairs and picnic baskets.
A warm welcome and a cold refreshment were just what the weary cyclists needed.
While some of the more energetic, like winner Ryder, proceeded to tackle another round of 109km, this time dressed as Superman, complete with cape, exhausted riders stood around at Hamiltons sports ground, behind Green Point stadium and discussed the highs and lows of the race.
For an amputee with a prosthetic right leg, pedalling over the finish line was a doubly amazing accomplishment.
Stephen Mather from Virginia in the Free State said: "I injured my left leg during the race and had to rely on my plastic one to complete it. I don't remember how far I cycled like that, but recall struggling up Hospital Bend. I'm suffering from cramps, but am okay otherwise."
He said he would have to think long and hard about competing again.
Charles Joubert of Johannesburg completed his second tour and carried his bicycle above his head over the finish line, saying: "I enjoyed the race more this year because I was familiar with the route. I'll definitely be back next year."
Marius Botha from Upington, who competed for the fourth time, sang a different tune.
"It did not go well at all. I had too many punctures along the way and the going was tough," said Botha, before he headed for some shade and refreshments in one of the many hospitality tents.
Many cyclists, who had cramps and strained hamstrings as well as fatigue, were helped by staff of the St John Ambulance Services, Red Cross, University of Cape Town physiotherapy department and HBC First Aid.
Course medical co-ordinator Geoff Bettison said 58 cyclists were injured. Some had serious head and back injuries and were kept in hospital, but there were no critical ones.
Long after the medals had been handed out, hundreds of weary looking cyclists were still crossing the finish line.
Many climbed into cars for the trip home, while the better-rested, or the fitter, hopped back on their bikes and cycled home.