Schoeman’s Power Win in PE

Taking the riders over all the notorious climbs in the Port Elizabeth region, the notorious Powerade Alexander Road Rollercoaster lived up to its reputation again this year after shattering the field into many small groups.

First up was the 2km Surrey Hills climb followed by the 5km Three Sisters climb, then over the 3km Chelsea Upper Seaview climb and lastly over the 5km Seaview climb to Cows Corner.

There was a huge sense of excitement as the licensed ladies lined up at the start with Port Elizabeth’s Pocket Rocket,Anriëtte Schoeman (Mecer Africa Silks). It was also clear that the Mecer NMMU team and Wayne Pheiffer Walmer Club team would be the two dominant teams on the road.

The top ladies Schoeman, Allison Hertel and Colleen Stevens were with the main chasing bunch hidden amongst the men. The bunch closed the gap on the breakaway group just before the Klein Draaifontein turn off.

Schoeman found herself in deep trouble when her front wheel tyre punctured as the Mecer NMMU team launched attack after attack. A quick wheel change had her back in the main bunch within kilometres. Another attack on Surrey Hills shattered the bunch with Stevens being left behind as Schoeman and Hertel had to hang on for dear life.

Unfortunately Hertel also lost contact with the field right on top of the climb. Now, the riders had to face the notorious Three Sisters within 3 kilometres, with little time to recover.

Schoeman was still in the chasing bunch opening the time gap on Hertel, who was a mere 25 seconds behind them in a smaller group. She had opened the time gap on Hertel and it was clear that she was also away.

Schoeman stayed away to win the ladies race with Hertel 2nd and Stevens 3rd.

Schoeman is currently leading the Engen Dynamic National Cycle Challenge Series. She will be defending her title this coming weekend in the 2nd event of the series in Port Elizabeth. The final event in the series takes place in Durban on the 12 November.