Team Valencia Dominate Swaziland Road Race

Last weekend Team Valencia put out a stellar performance in Swaziland when they dominated the 100km Dups Mafutseni Cycle Classic.

Representing Valencia was:
Bosseau Boshoff (Veteran Men)
Justin Victor (Elite Men)
Samantha Sanders (Elite Ladies)
Amy McDougall (Elite Ladies)
Damon Halderman (Junior Men)
Martin Oosthuizen (Junior Men)
Demarco Pillay (Youth)

Bosseau Boshoff surprised everyone when he went out on a solo breakaway from the gun to assess who the aggressors would be. No one responded and he quickly gained a 2 minute gap which he maintained, man alone for an impressive 70km. The rest of the Valencia Team helped Boshoff keep his lead by controlling the pace of the chasing bunch.

After the 50km turnaround point Boshoff had a strong headwind to contend with but he fought it and kept his lead for an additional 20km when the bunch finally reeled him in. The final 30 km were filled with small attacks and the bunch started getting edgy, not willing to let anyone get away.

With about 10km to go, Justin Victor attacked forming a break of 4 riders. Martin Oosthuizen counter attacked as soon as Victor’s break got neutralized and he managed to stay away till the 5km mark. Once he got caught, Damon Helderman attacked with less than 4km to go, quickly opening a gap of 30 seconds. No one had the strength to respond, and his brave feat proved to be the move of the day as he went on to earn a very well deserved win. Boshoff came second in a sprint with Oosthuizen coming in 5^th place overall.

The final results of the Valencia riders were:
Damon Halderman: 1st GC, 1st Junior
Bosseau Boshoff: 2nd GC, 1st Vet
Martin Oosthuizen: 5th GC, 2nd Junior
Demarco Pillay: 7th GC, 1st Under 17
Justin Victor 13th GC, 1st Elite Man
Samantha Sanders 12th GC, 1st Lady
Amy McDougall who broke 2 spokes finished 23rd GC 3rd Lady.

These outstanding results were a direct outcome of comradery and exceptional team work. As a result Team Valencia went further to win the Best overall team and the floating trophy for the best represented team. 

Naeem Omar, proud owner of Valencia is to thank for giving these riders the opportunity to learn and achieve their goals in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.