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Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg wins Lost CityMonday, 23 August 2010 14:07 Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg wins the CANSA Lost City Cycle ChallengeThe CANSA Lost City Cycle Challenge on Saturday was won by Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg of MTN Energade after a frantic bunch sprint. The event of 103 km over a mildly challenging route was always expected to finish in a big sprint and the race was ridden accordingly by the biggest teams. Numerous attacks by many riders attempted to excite the large bunch, but in the absence of strong wind, the field was lethargic. All together near the halfway mark, the hotspot sprint provided a little upset for the top favourites, as veteran track rider, James Louter (Club 100) showed the youngsters his turn of speed to take the prime convincingly! A little break established itself shortly afterwards as Jacques Janse van Rensburg (DCM) and Jacques Greef (Mecer) got some freedom, their break lasting for some time, and gaining a lead of over a minute. The route was not conducive to a little group staying clear, and no large group was established as teams shadowboxed. Greef and Janse van Rensburg were swallowed up after their 30km adventure. In the final run up to the end, many attacks did not produce enough firepower to escape the clutches of the bunch, and a massive group sped down the final kilometer to the line. It is always a difficult run in to this finish, as a slight headwind, and downward road means that timing for the sprint to the finish line is paramount to success, as well as having a clear road ahead. Riders easily come off the wheels of their competitors in this scenario, (downward road with slight headwind) so the finish becomes quite chaotic. What to avoid? Tandem group caught on the finish line by the elite bunch. This gives new meaning to chaotic bunch sprint. New idea's needed... MTN's Reinhardt Janse van rensburg made his dash for the line at precisely the right moment, coming off the wheels of the Medscheme duo of Lange and Brown, and holding them off for the finish line! Van Rensburg has threatened to get past Medscheme's Brown over the past few races, and the circumstances at the finish of this event, as well as perfect timing on his part, gave him the opportunity to get it right! Results: 103 km 1st Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (MTN Energade) 2:22:56
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