Impey and Moolman-Pasio dominate Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge

20 November 2017

 

Daryl Impey, 32, took home the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge bragging rights after crossing the finish line first in 02h13min on Sunday 19 November. The winner in the ladies category was Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio who was the first to cross finish line in 2h55min.

 

Born and raised in the south of Johannesburg, Daryl made Tour de France history when he became the first African to take possession of the Tour de France yellow jersey in July 2013.

He said he put the pressure when cycling on the M1. “It was a pretty hard finish, coming into Steyn City is always tough.”

Moolman-Pasio was third at Boels Rental Hills Classic and won the overall title at Auensteiner-Radsporttage and took second overall at Aviva Women's Tour in 2016. She went on to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio, Brazil.

“Staying calm is something that I have had to learn while racing in Europe. I have started being calmer in the World Tour this year, learning to have composure and waiting for my chance”, said Moolman-Pasio.

Over 30,000 cyclists tackled the 94.7 km route that saw the City of Johannesburg shut down streets across the city to enhance the safety of the cyclists during the race.
The City of Johannesburg’s biggest cycling race was celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, making this year’s edition even more special.

Among those who gathered at the start of the race was the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Herman Mashaba, who said the race would boost tourism.

“It brings people into our city. As you’re aware, we have about 30,000 cyclists and some of them come from all parts of the world. This is wonderful for tourism in our city”, said Mayor Mashaba.

Cllr Mpho Phalatse, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development was among the riders, along with 100 members of the City of Johannesburg cycling team.