South Africa has quite a large cycling fraternity, and growing each year. Some of the major races have turnovers of 15 to 20 000 cyclists. This years Cape Argus Cycle Tour (www.cycletour.co.za)(the biggest one day cycle race in SA... checkout the route here guys http://www.cycletour.co.za/content.asp?cId=41 I suggest you read the description of the route, the buzz is incredible! It even has a climb similar to a Cat3 climb in the Tour!!) had more than 30 000 participants! Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys cycling, and these people often become very frustrated having to wait for a bunch of cyclists to pass an intersection before they can continue on their ways.
This weekend we had another one of our great classic races, the CANSA Lost City Classic. It's a gruelling 103 km race, and usually one of the first big races after the winter, when most guys are not fully fit and prepared for the season. Unfortunately, there was a nasty incident that happened. Here is the story, quoted from a newspaper:
Motorist dies, at least six cyclists injured in Lost City head-on collision
Police are investigating the cause of the accident that claimed the life of a motorist and injured at least six cyclists at the Cansa Lost City Classic at the weekend.
The accident happened about 10km into the 103km route when the motorist hit a cyclist, Wali Crawford, from behind and then smashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle.
“A hit-and-run car hit me from behind at a speed of over 120km/hour,” said Crawford. “I was lucky to get away with cuts and bruises.
“Unfortunately the car went on to have a head on collision with an oncoming car, and hit six other cyclists.”
The driver of the oncoming car escaped with serious injuries. “The case is being investigating and Sun International will make a statement in due course,” said event organiser Johan du Toit, who made a concerted effort for road closure in his event.
“We can’t release any names yet, but can confirm that one of the drivers was killed. All of the cyclists but one were treated at Sun City and released,” he said.
The accident has firmly placed the focus back on the organisers of the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge and their bid to establish road closure.
Dangerous traffic was a major complaint lodged against the event last year when 15000 cyclists took to the roads between Joburg and Centurion.
With an estimated 20000 participants in this year’s event it will be nothing short of a nightmare if traffic authorities don’t come to the party and close the roads.
Can you imaging someone travelling at 120km/h amongst a cycling field of 15 000? I have no words...
This weekend we had another one of our great classic races, the CANSA Lost City Classic. It's a gruelling 103 km race, and usually one of the first big races after the winter, when most guys are not fully fit and prepared for the season. Unfortunately, there was a nasty incident that happened. Here is the story, quoted from a newspaper:
Motorist dies, at least six cyclists injured in Lost City head-on collision
Police are investigating the cause of the accident that claimed the life of a motorist and injured at least six cyclists at the Cansa Lost City Classic at the weekend.
The accident happened about 10km into the 103km route when the motorist hit a cyclist, Wali Crawford, from behind and then smashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle.
“A hit-and-run car hit me from behind at a speed of over 120km/hour,” said Crawford. “I was lucky to get away with cuts and bruises.
“Unfortunately the car went on to have a head on collision with an oncoming car, and hit six other cyclists.”
The driver of the oncoming car escaped with serious injuries. “The case is being investigating and Sun International will make a statement in due course,” said event organiser Johan du Toit, who made a concerted effort for road closure in his event.
“We can’t release any names yet, but can confirm that one of the drivers was killed. All of the cyclists but one were treated at Sun City and released,” he said.
The accident has firmly placed the focus back on the organisers of the Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge and their bid to establish road closure.
Dangerous traffic was a major complaint lodged against the event last year when 15000 cyclists took to the roads between Joburg and Centurion.
With an estimated 20000 participants in this year’s event it will be nothing short of a nightmare if traffic authorities don’t come to the party and close the roads.
Can you imaging someone travelling at 120km/h amongst a cycling field of 15 000? I have no words...
