CYCLE LAB TOUR DURBAN 2007

Yet again the weather pundits got it wrong, to the decided advantage of the cyclists who made their way to Durban for the 2007 CycleLab Tour Durban. Weather forecast was overcast and showers – Weather on the day was clear skies and warm, sunny Durbs weather, even bordering on hot!

The Tour Durban is a race with a long tradition and when rumours of it’s demise hit the streets, many a cyclist expressed dismay.  CycleLab came to the party and Sean Marsh, Glen Goddard, Paula Noah, Margie Gallagher (also Peak Events) et al of KPCC, assisted by Rhona of Cycling KZN and Clayton Blacker, came to the party and within the space of 5 weeks, the race was on –and what a race!

Metro Police and SA Police Services ensured total road closure, Hamnet and Enforce Security were there to make sure that riders took the correct route and picked up those stragglers who didn’t quite make it.  And Ethekwini Municipality backed us every step of the way.

The race- yes it was exciting to see the top riders battling it out, with final victory going to Daryl Impey, over Nolan Hoffmann and ever-green Malcolm Lange (I think a few Elites will sigh of relief when he decides to grow up and become a VET). Among the ladies, the Konica Minolta Ladies, Cherise Taylor and Ronel Van Wyk took the top two places with Marissa Van Der Merwe in 3rd place.

When all is said and done, the race is not only about the Pros, but also about the average riders who tackle the route with great enthusiasm and make any race what it is. The climb to Pinetown is not fun, but oh, that lovely long sweep down the M19 is sheer bliss- and hey, the potholes had been filled!  The Fun Riders doing their route of 50km all add to the spice of the race. And the clash with the SA Half-marathon Running Champs provided yet another spectacle for the cyclists as they performed a dance for the cyclists. Dire predictions of clashes and problems never materialized with deft management of the route and resources.

All in all a great day, great ambience, great racing and we look forward to seeing you all next year – YES, there definitely is a Tour Durban in 2008 and beyond.

Kings Park 2007 Development Team