Sprinters outfox rivals to take titles at windy The Herald Cycle Tour

Team Aluwani pro Reynard Butler (right) sprints to victory ahead of teammate Nolan Hoffman (left) and Team Madmacs' Ben Fish in the 36th edition of the The Herald Cycle Tour road race at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on Sunday. Photo: Richard Pearce

Team Aluwani pro Reynard Butler held his nerve in a three-man sprint to claim the 36th edition of the The Herald Cycle Tour road race at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on Sunday morning.

The 32-year-old crossed the line in two hours, 41 minutes and 50 seconds to claim his first victory in the 106km Classic.

He was followed home by teammate and former winner Nolan Hoffman and Team Madmacs' Ben Fish as the top three completed the race in identical times.

In the women's race, Team Reach for Rainbows rider Maroeskja Matthee took top honours in 3:15.35, followed by teammate Hazel Magill (3:15.56) and Valley Electrical Titan Racing's Tiffany Keep (3:15.57).

"In past years we usually had a quick, frenetic start, but this year I think it was more of an easing into the race from the beginning," said Butler.

"We basically come here every year knowing what the conditions will be like. If it is windy, we know where to execute our plans, if not, we still know the route quite well.

"Going into the headwind for the sprinters was a bit tough because it slows the pace down and allowed us to ease into the race somewhat," explained Butler.

Meanwhile, the 33-year-old Matthee wore a broad smile as she came home to claim her second title at the event after her 2018 triumph.

"Despite the windy conditions, it was great to be out there again and to come home to take top spot is just the cherry on top.

"Coming into it, we knew it would be a hard race. There were some very strong women in the field.

"I wasn't too sure about my climbing legs so I went early and managed to get a considerable gap on the climb, which I just tried my best to sustain.

"I was cramping so much at the end because I am a sprinter and not a breakaway rider.

"I have to say a big thanks to my teammates who controlled things nicely at the back and it if was not for them I would not have taken this win," she said.

Using this race as a form guide for upcoming events, Matthee was happy with where she was in racing terms but still felt some work could be done to go even faster.

"Both times I have won The Herald Cycle Tour I have ended up on the podium at the Cape Town Cycle Tour," she said.

"As a team, we want to take the win at the Cape Town Cycle Tour, no matter who claims the win itself.

"As a team it would be great for us to be able to pick up a win there and, with the race three weeks away, I think our confidence is pretty high at the moment."

The Herald and Weekend Post editor Rochelle de Kock said she was proud to be part of the prestigious event, hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

"This is the 36th instalment of this race and it is a big flagship event for us," she said.

"The event also encourages community spirit and that is what you see here today - people from different communities coming together to celebrate what is a big event in Gqeberha every year.

"To all our riders who came out, participated and enjoyed themselves, they are the real champions of this event, especially after the tough times we have experienced during the pandemic."