Kimberley was abuzz in the early hours of Saturday morning, 9 November 2024, as cyclists gathered at SPU’s South Campus. The air was crisp and fresh, with a lingering scent of rain still clinging to the leaves and pavement – an earthy fragrance, perfect for a cycling event. Since its inception in 2021, the Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge has attracted 100 cyclists from across the province and beyond. This year the event has garnered support from cyclists joining us as far as Gqeberha, Randburg, and Pretoria. SPU is committed to fostering a culture of health, wellness and community engagement across all ages, and this year the 5 km distance race was re-introduced which saw young riders from Laerskool Eureka and Newtown Primary, further underpinning SPU’s role in engaging the youth and promoting cycling as a lifelong pursuit.
As the peloton lined up at the starting line, SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch delivered the opening address, welcoming cyclists, sponsors, and the SPU community. “I welcome you all, especially those that have travelled from outside the Northern Cape. It’s through community events like this, that we aim to demonstrate that SPU is a university for the people of our nation, extending our reach and visibility beyond Kimberley to the entire region”, he said. He also wished all the riders the best in their respective distances, with a special word to those taking part in the 5 km fun ride.
A lifestyle market was open to the public, which attracted vendors such as T&T Treats, The Craving, Memories Last Forever, Padkos, Die Biltong Fabriek, FNB and StatsSA, that kept families entertained. Adults could also relax responsibly in the beer garden.
The prize giving ceremony was held in the South Campus Multi-Purpose Hall. Mr Peter Bailey, President Commissaire at the VC’s Cycle Challenge, opened the prize giving ceremony and thanked all cyclists as well as the University. “Thank you all for being here today, you have displayed the ultimate endurance, and I congratulate you all for your courage. Thank you to SPU for the bringing us on board to assist in this regard, it is amazing to see how the cycle event has grown over the years,” he said.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Kashini Maistry, SPU Director: Institutional Advancement, who thanked all supporters, sponsors, and SPU staff members who, through their efforts, contributed to making the event a success.
Winners were announced by Mr Peter Bailey with the assistance of the MC, Mr Chad Mpisi.
See all the winners in the 100.8 km and 50 km e-Bike, Mountain Bike, Road Bike categories listed below:
Road Bike 100.8 km – Female
- Le Roux, Maude Elaine
- Krist, Zelna
- Harding, Christine
Road Bike 100.8 km – Male
- Wessels, Marius
- Potgieter, Ryno
- Strauss, Izak
Road Bike 50 km – Female
- Bailey, Petronella
- Hefer, Theresa
- Starr, Lizelle
Road Bike 50 km – Male
- Rost, Karlchen and Botha, Meyer (shared)
- Ntshoe, Laban
- Du Preez, Meyer
Mountain Bike 100.8 km – Female
- Botha, Johane
Mountain Bike 100.8 km – Male
- Kruger, Gert
Mountain Bike 50 km – Female
- Ceronio, Lulu
- van Niekerk, Maryke
- Bambani, Mbali
Mountain Bike 50 km – Male
- van Tonder, Abrie
- Botha, Meyer
- Ferreira, Louwrens
E Bike 100.8 km – Male
- van Den Berg, Kobus
- Herholdt, Louis
E Bike 50 km – Male
- Bester, Deon
- Hendriks, Johan
- Coetzee, Hennie
Click on the link below to see the timing results from the Northern Cape Cycling Federation:
SPU wholeheartedly congratulates all cyclists. The University warmly extends its gratitude to all sponsors and supporters that contributed to making the day a success.
