After a thrilling morning of cat-and-mouse tactics, small breakaways, and strategic teamwork in the peloton, last weekend’s Virgin Active Ride Joburg race came down to a nail-biting sprint finish won by international pro circuit racer, South Africa’s S’Annara Grové, who outgunned Vera Looser to the finish line for the 2024 title, with Hayley Preen rounding out the podium in Johannesburg, on Sunday, 17 November 2024.
“We started off a bit slow, but once we got going it kicked off properly on the climbs. Ended up a bit of a sprint finish which probably suited me better than the solo finishes I’ve had of late. Ja, it was a lekker day.”
2024 Virgin Active Ride Joburg Champion, South Africa’s S’Annara Grové
With a lucrative R200,000 prize purse for the winning 97km female rider up for grabs, the crème de la crème of South African cycling converged on the City of Gold, which ended in the nail-biting sprint finish won by Grové in Oshea Doltcini colours, edging Namibian champion Looser (Infiniti Insure) into second place, with Preen (Freewheel Cycology) rounding out the podium, all in a time of 2:46:44.
The 35 km riders had an absolute blast out in the streets as well and with all riders out on the roads by 08h39 everyone could enjoy their ride and beat the heat!
Organisers say that event’s uniqueness lies in its collaboration between the City of Johannesburg, Metro Police, and key role players, to close down major streets to create a safe riding space.
This allowed 12500 elite riders and enthusiasts to tackle the 35km or 97km routes, showcasing Johannesburg’s iconic landmarks such as Nelson Mandela Bridge, Zoo Lake, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and the leafy Joburg suburbs.
Top 10 Elite Women Finishers at the 2024 Virgin Active Ride Joburg, on Sunday, 17 November, 2024
1. S’Annara Grove (W30-34) 2:46:44
2. Vera Looser (W30-34) 2:46:44
3. Hayley Preen (W30-34) 2:46:44
4. Carla Oberholzer (W35-39)2:46:45
5. Taneal Otto (W23-29) 2:46:45
6. Lisa Bone (W23-29)2:46:45
7. Kelsey Jade van Schoor (W23-29)2:46:46
8. Karla Grobler (W19-22) 2:46:46
9. Maude Elaine le Roux (W23-29) 2:46:46
10. Melissa Kretzinger (W30-34) 2:46:47
Women’s 35 km Podium Finishers
1. Melissa Viljoen
2. Carli Haarde
3. Jeané Smith
Original Copy: Ride Joburg, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: South Africa’s S’Annara Grove steams across the finish line ahead of Namibian champion Vera Looser and bronze medal winner Hayley Preen at the finish of the 2024 Virgin Active Ride Joburg, on Sunday, 17 November, 2024. Photo: Ride Joburg
Photo 2 Caption: The cyclists stream out from the FNB Stadium in Soweto at the start of iconic the 97 km race in the City of Johannesburg. Photo: Ride Joburg
Photo 3 Caption: Proud podium finishers of the 2024 Ride Joburg (from left) Vera Looser (silver), S’Annara Grove (gold), and Hayley Preen (bronze). Photo: Ride Joburg
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