Race Report - Tiletoria West Coast Express - 25 October 2009

Report by Sipho Mona, Team Manager: Team GT/Velokhaya/PPA.

The 80km Tiletoria West Coast Express Race is regarded as the flattest and fastest race in Cape Town and it was inevitable that it would live up to its reputation. Team GT Velokhaya PPA had different ideas about the race from the onset, as our riders started racing from the start. The team took control up-front and set a fast pace, which saw riders dropping from the bunch within the first five kilometers.

Meanwhile, Siyabonga Mnqwazi and Thando Zothe (a junior rider) initiated a breakaway and opened a reasonable gap from the bunch. When the pair were brought back by the bunch after couple of kilometers, Songezo Jim launched a counter attack. One other rider followed him and they gradually opened a substantial gap from the pack.

Jim set a tough pace, forcing the other rider to hang on to his rear wheel. Jim managed to drop the rider at the incline towards Atlantis, making a solo break towards Atlantis Industria before being brought back with 30km to go. The bunch then regrouped and another split happened (this time no representation from the team) which was brought back in no time.

The race was stopped in the town of Melkbos when riders, riding over the white line, were given a warning and organizers threatened to cancel the race. When the race was resumed, there were more attacks from Team GT Velokhaya PPA and with 5km to go, the race was destined for a bunch sprint. Echelons were forming on the front and Luthando Kaka was well positioned, finishing in third place.

All in all, a strong ride from the team.