PPA Cape Argus Giro del Capo Challenge 1 - 1.2

South Africa, March 4, 2009

Results

Robbie Hunter wins Giro's race 1

South Africa dominated the first day of the Cape Argus PPA Giro del Capo Challenge in Wellington, with star cyclist Robbie Hunter first across the finish line. Christoff van Heerden (MTN) and Johann Rabie (Neotel) came second and third respectively.

"It was a sprint to the end - the top 12 cyclists all crossed the line in a time of 2:41:18 resulting in a photo finish," commented David Bellairs, Co-Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.

The 106km circular route is a constant climb and provided the 29 national and international teams participating in the Giro with a tough start.

The first stage of the four-day event was made very difficult by strong winds. Barloworld was in the initial breakaway of some 40 riders with Daryl Impey, Felix Cardenas, Robert Hunter and Steven Cummings.

About 64km into the race, an unfortunate incident caused John-Lee Augustyn to crash giving him little other option than to retire. "I was extremely disappointed by this incident - I was so ready for the climb. When I fell it was so hard, I thought I had broken my hip!" said a frustrated Augustyn.

With just 30km to go to the finish line, there was a further breakaway of five riders, including Cardenas. This group was chased down, with Barloworld controlling the group.

Barloworld also took home three of the four jerseys. Hunter received the coveted Pink Leader's jersey as well as the Velotex Champions Jersey as the most consistent rider and the Pickfodrs Points Jersey.

Barloworld's Team Manager Claudio Corti said, "The team did so well. I am very happy with the team's performance today. The strong wind made us change our strategy, but the team pulled together well to deliver such a great result. They are in good condition and knew what had to be done. By working together to control the breakaway and attack, we achieved the desired result and our goal to do well on our sponsor, Barloworld's home soil."

Tomorrow cyclists set off on a 143km race from Vissershok Road, Durbanville.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Raymond Cox/www.mirra.co.za

Robert Hunter (Team Barloworld) ensured a South African was out front on the first day.
Chris Froome helped set up Team Barloworld teammate Robert Hunter for victory.
Craig Butland rolls along on the Giro del Capo's opening day.
African Tour leader Dan Carven (Rapha Condor) enjoyed a day in the peloton with his white jersey.

Results

1 Robert Hunter (RSA) Team Barloworld                   
2 Christoff Van Heerden (RSA) MTN                       
3 Johann Rabie (RSA) Neotel                             
4 Felix Cardenas (Col) Team Barloworld                  
5 Henning Bommel (Ger) German National Team             
6 Stefan Ganser (Ger) Team Kuota-Indeland               
7 Roger Kluge (Ger) German National Team                
8 Kristian House (GBr) Rapha Condor                     
9 Simon Richardson (GBr) Rapha Condor                   
10 Jay Thomson (RSA) MTN                                
11 Tiaan Kannemeyer (RSA) Neotel                        
12 Daryl Impey (RSA) Team Barloworld                    
13 Robert Bengsch (Ger) Bioracer                        
14 Stephen Cummings (GBr) Team Barloworld               
15 Marcel Kalz (Ger) Bioracer                           
16 Jamie Ball (RSA) House of Paint                      
17 Chanjae Jang (Kor) Neotel                            
18 Johannes Kachelhoffer (RSA) Team Medscheme           
19 Daniel Kreutzfeld (Den) Danish Cycling Federation    
20 Dominique Cornu (Bel) Belgian National Team