Willie Smit cruises to first place in 94.7 cycle challenge

Posted on November 19, 2013

Willie Smit from Team Bonitas narrowly took the lead to finish first. He capitalised on a great ride by his team through the streets of Johannesburg. Despite a strong challenge from JC Nel from team MTN Qhubheka, Smit provided a massive turn of speed in the closing kilometers.

Smith crossed the line in two hours, eight minutes and 42 seconds (2:08:42) with Bonitas team-mate Herman Fouche finishing second and Johann Rabie grabbing bronze.

"I'm so happy and thrilled for myself and my team," Smith said after the race.

"I'm also happy for Herman who came in second; it was a great team effort.

"We were all strong and it's a great way to end our season."

Taking part in his third cycle challenge race, Smith said he found the race challenging, but he was determined to win.

"The race was challenging and hard at times especially when we made our way through town," Smith said.

"Coming into the finish it was chaotic…. I managed to slip away from all of it and caught up with MTN rider JC Nel.

"On the last climb, he was struggling and I managed to drop him and came in solo."

Smith, who was taking part in his last race for team Bonitas, said he was happy their hard work had paid off this season.

"It's the end of the season, people are tired and to keep the morale high is really hard, but the team pushed on and kept going," he said.

"Maintaining your good form throughout the season up until the end of November is very hard, but I'm glad I kept going.

Willie Smit is a student at the University of Pretoria and was part of the USSA Cycling team that were champions this year.

TuksCycling is extremely proud of Willie and wish him many more victories to come.

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