This was the final event in the SuperSeries calender. Overall I think the series has been successful, based on the snall resources used to put it together, and the positive responses received from the riders!
Dome2Dome is one of the more challenging events on the S.A. calender, it it was a fitting finale to the SuperSeries. The race is 116km long, over undulating terrain through the Cradle of Humankind area.
The VS category was well supported, with at least 60 riders present in the start pen. Most of the big names and teams were there, including Andrew Mclean, David & Johan Labuschagne, Graeme Cronje, Colin Germs (Toyota SuperCycling), Stefano Madies, Gary & Mark Beneke, Jackie van Eeden, Martin Saunders, Graham Parker (Dimension Data), Donovan Jackson & Jeffrey Kriel (MTN/Club 100), Philip Fourie (Team Computer-Smits), Jock Green and myself (Absolute Systems/Bulk Pack Meat), Werner Moolman (Mr. Price KZN) and Donovan van Gelder (Greenoffice/Cybercoach). Some of the guys that don't have big teams have been in the mix as well - Francois Ebersohn (Velo Cycling Club) and Rynard van Hoven (Select Cycling Club). Hopefully with some of the proposed rule changes next year, some of the guys that have had to ride alone will be able to ride for teams during the SuperSeries.
The first part of the race had the Labuschagne brothers taking turns to try to get away, something had to be watched as they are both strong. Dimension Data also attacked plenty. The first opportunity to really split the bunch up came on the Kromdraai Road, leading up to the Cradle Restaurant. Jock Green attacked early, and Andrew Mclean countered as well. This was the first selection point of the day, and about 25 riders made the split. Including Anriette Schoeman as the only lady. This put her in a very strong position for the win, as it would require significant collaboration between the MTN Ladies team and the Toyota SuperCycling Ladies team to get back to the lead bunch. This didn't happen, so Anriette just had to stay in the bunch and would take the win.
The next split point in the race came on the Hekpoort Road, heading up towards Maropeng. Once again, Jock went hard and only about 8 riders were able to stay with him. This group was a little too big so not all of the riders would commit themselves. The pace slowed a bit heading towards the Tarlton Road, and the lead group came back together.
The Tarlton road has a long drag, which gave Jock the opportunity to attack again, this time going with a smaller bunch. At some point, the Dimension Data also went away for quite a long period of time, but everything came back together at the bottom of Sterkfontein Hill.
Another attack came on the climb up Hendrik Potgieter, but the long descent brought things back together. The telling move of the day came a short while later, heading up to the Kloofzicht Circle. Again, Jock and Andrew went away. This was less that 20km from the finish, so there was little chance the bunch would bring them back.
Over the last 20km, riders that still had a bit of strength left rode off the front to secure minor positions. The bunch slowly disintegrated, and I decided to put in one last effort to get away and get 8th place.
Hats off to Anriette Schoeman, for mixing it with the men. She must be feeling good going into Worlds next week.
I personally had a really difficult time. I couldn't make a number of the splits and had to work hard to get back into the bunch on a number of occasions. My CTL still hasn't reached my mid-winter levels, so I have plenty of work to do!
It was a pity that the MTN Ladies Team and Toyota SuperCycling Ladies couldn't combine to chase Anriette. I was hoping that this race would be at a very high intensity for Lynette and Yolandi going to Worlds - it would be good preparation.
Power levels weren't bad, but still about 20w off my peak of last year!
The speed of the VS group was very high, not much slower than the UCI Elite category. Vets racing is very competitive!
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