Hail King Davids, champion of the 2016 Cycle Challenge
21 November 2016
It was exactly 5.30am on Sunday November 20 when Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba fired the shot that got the 2016 Telkom Cycle Challenge under way.
A little over two hours later, Brandon Davids returned to the Riversands Commercial Park in Fourways, triumphantly crossing the finish line ahead of the pack and, by so doing, becoming the 20th winner of the gruelling annual race.
Eddie van Heerden grabbed second spot and Morne van Niekerk came third.
Charlotte Becker won the bragging rights in the female category after beating Mavi Garcia to second place and Lisa Olivier settled for third.
Becker said afterwards that the race was “refreshing”. She said the change in the route meant cyclists did not know the kind of obstacles they would be faced with.
“I’ve participated in a number of cycle challenges this year and I’m glad I managed to reach what I set out to do,” Becker said.
The atmosphere was electric, with many celebrities and personalities gracing the occasion.
“It gives me pride to see the City of Johannesburg hosting such big sporting events,” Mayor Mashaba said. “The Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge is in line with the City’s promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
“I understand that it’s not everyone who likes or enjoys cycling. But that doesn’t mean they can’t participate in other events because the City hosts a walkathon, marathon and the cycling challenge every year so residents can participate in the one they enjoy the most.”
He said such events brought people together and gave them the opportunity to have a great time and enjoy “this beautiful city”.
“This really gives us the opportunity to showcase the beauty of our city, which might inspire visitors to come back to experience what having fun and keeping fit the Joburg way is all about,” he said.
Mayor Mashaba later flew in a helicopter to have an aerial view of the 30 000 or so cyclists snaking through the streets of Johannesburg – from the Riversands Commercial Park into the inner city and back to Fourways.
947 Station Manager Ravi Naidoo said he appreciated the City’s support. “Without it none of this would have been possible. We have had an amazing relationship throughout the years with the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department,” said Naidoo.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba said she was inspired by what she saw. “Once again the City has outdone itself by hosting another massively successful event,” she said.
The Cycle Challenge encourages cyclists to “ride for a purpose”, giving them the opportunity to support a cause or charity of their choice. Many cyclists have been inspired to find their purpose and to make a significant difference to the lives of others.
The challenge has over the past five years raised more than R50-million for 120 registered charities.
Some of the celebrities who rode for a cause this year included former Springbok Joel Stransky, who cycled in support of LumoHawks, which supports the educational and sporting needs of previously disadvantaged children.
Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron rode in support of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Paediatric Unit.
Mountain bike race Olympian Greg Minnaar and South African Film and Television Award winner Warren Masemola cycled in support of the Kidney Beanz.
Other celebs who took part included actress Hlubi Mboya, fitness instructor Letshego Moshoeu-Zulu, former Springbok captain Victor Matfield, artist Angus Taylorwill, musician Paul Ditchfield and actress Charlene Bouwer.