South African road and track cyclist Nolan Hoffman won his fourth Cape Town Cycle Tour after a strong finish at the end. Nolan who was amongst the elite of the elite riders fought from start to finish in a time of 02:37:12.
And it’s win number four for local hero Nolan Hoffman… incredible sprint from the maestro pic.twitter.com/4NjP8fQFDJ
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) October 10, 2021
The 36-year-old sprint specialists who lead the ENZA team described his victory as an emotional one as he felt the pressure due to him being the favourite in the elite category.
“I was really focused but stressed cause everyone called me for the favourite, this year I wanted it more. It was a tough time but I wanted to show everyone that I am still able to win.
” The team was incredible, it was just a matter of getting over the hills with the group,” Hoffman said.
During the race, Hoffman was able to save his energy for the big climbs when teammate David Maree got into the only significant break of the day. Maree got clear with Alwyn Steenkamp and Keanan Roodt just after the climb up Wynberg Hill.
However, as the lead bunch approached Suikerbossie, World Tour rider Nic Dlamini was the first to attack as he attempted to burn off the sprinters. But the lead group eventually reformed over the final 15km into the finish and Hoffman – helped by guest teammate and mountain biking legend Christoph Sauser, got himself into the perfect position to deliver his trademark sprint.
Read also: Cape Town Cycle Tour lives up to expectations despite COVID-19 regulations
Hoffman who also previously won the Cape Town Cycle Tour in 2014, 2015 and 2018 stated that this title is the best of all of his previous ones, as this was his last shot to show what he is capable of.
“At this tender age to be on the top step, I’m very thankful and grateful to be in good health. This one is for the sponsors for supporting us in the tough times,” Hoffman said.
Cape Town Cycle Tour
Nolan Hoffman secures 1st place pic.twitter.com/0Gak4wFhB2— B_from Tafelsig (@lukas_byron) October 10, 2021
Meanwhile, Kim Le Court secured a first-place finish in the elite women’s category with a time of 02:12:36.6. This is Le Court’s second Cape Town Cycle Tour victory, 4 years after her first.
#elitewomen @KimLeCourt speaking to @ValstarPaul about her second Cape Town Cycle Tour victory, 4 years after her first. #ctct2021 pic.twitter.com/FvNz1FGxnd
— Cape Town Cycle Tour (@CTCycleTour) October 10, 2021
Also read:
SA’s removal from the UK ‘red list’ will boost the Western Cape’s economy
Picture: @tobisa