Top South African veteran cyclist, Gary Beneke, is taking part in the annual Makana Brick Grocott’s 80.4km cycle race in Grahamstown on Sunday.
Top South African veteran cyclist, Gary Beneke, is taking part in the annual Makana Brick Grocott’s 80.4km cycle race in Grahamstown on Sunday.
Beneke won the race last year and confirmed that he is back to defend his title.
Beneke said that it will not be an easy race this year, with the elite riders from Port Elizabeth and East London working together with their teams.
Conrad Viljoen, the 2006/2007 winner, comes into Sunday’s race fresh off his three titles earned at the EP elite road cycling championships recently. The 24-year-old Mecer NMMU team leader cyclist won the 40km time trial, 5km hill climb and the 138km road race.
This will be a new challenge for Viljoen who has never raced against Beneke before, mainly due to them usually starting in different batches. He was also unable to race last year due to an injury. Viljoen cycles as an elite while Beneke cycles in the veteran section.
Viljoen said he is looking forward to taking part in the race this year after last year’s injury.
Past success
Beneke, has been cycling competitively for 30 years has been winning over 350 races, including veteran category wins.
He started serious racing at the age of 16, becoming a junior Springbok, moving up the ranks and learning Springbok colours in 1982, 1983 and 1984 before turning professional in 1984, riding for South Africa for 10 years with a few races overseas. Beneke won every major event in SA including the Rapport Tour in 1988 when it was still track and road.
He also won every veteran title in South Africa and is currently the SA champion in the 45-49 years age category. Beneke said his fitness is not where he would have hoped, due to recovering from a broken pelvis suffered in December last year.
Beneke’s first experience of Grahamstown was in the 80s when he won two stages of the East Cape Tour.
“Last year’s event was a pleasant addition to a visit to see my daughter who is currently at Rhodes University in 2nd year BA," he said.
“I fortunately won the event and have soft spot for the race. It was an enjoyable scenic route and good to compete against riders from other provinces."
“Although I am positive, I have no expectations and will obviously be the best I can and enjoy the experience. I must thank Dimension Data for allowing me to continue and support my passion for the sport over the past 4 years.”
Top South African women’s cyclist, Anriette Schoeman, who cycles for Nashua Telecoms, will also be in town over the weekend to take part in Sunday’s main event. Schoeman has won the women’s race since its start in 2006.
