Marissa, Robyn in Proline Win

 

The Ladies followed the Juniors kicking off the 2007 Zoo Lake Criterium in Johannesburg, on Sunday (19 August, 2007), with Harmony, Cyclelab, Proline, C-Bist, and Standard Bank each fielding teams of between 5-3 cyclists. 

 

The exciting event featured a circuit consisted of laps in a clock-wise direction around Zoo Lake, for a total race distance lasting for 30 minutes plus 1 lap.

 

A relatively fast pace was set from the word go, with all the teams playing a role in attacking and closing down the attacks.

 

The girls used the short power ‘drag’ up to the finish-line, to increase the pace and intensity of the race, and after the first lap three girls had been dropped from the leading bunch already.

 

Tactical games came into play between the rival teams, but it was Lynette Burger (Cyclelab/SuperCycling) who took the Hotspot approximately 17 minutes into the race.

 

Climb specialist Marissa van der Merwe (Proline Computers) was responsible for setting an extremely fast pace up the power climb, which by this time was starting to take its toll on the tired riders’ legs.

 

The only other lady able to stay with Van der Merwe was Lizanne Naude (C-Bist), and the duo managed to stay away for a lap, but Van der Merwe proved to be too strong, and was able to shake Naude’ from her wheel.

 

Naude’ was later caught by a small chasing bunch, but no hunger was shown by the chasing bunch, who seemed content to leave Van der Merwe up the road.

 

Van der Merwe eventually won the Criterium comfortably, with Burger and Robyn de Groot (Proline) finishing in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.  

 

It was an extremely well organised event, with great spectator value and full road closure, congratulations to all those involved with the organization.
 
2007 Zoo Lake Criterium Overall Ladies Team Results:
1. Proline Computers
2. Cyclelab/Supercycling
3. Harmony