(Cape Town, 14 March 2010) South Africa's cycling elite beat the world's most famous cyclist in an exhilarating photo finish at the 33rd Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.
Malcolm Lange (Team Medscheme) took his third Cycle Tour victory in a time of 2:39:55. The top eight cyclists were separated by mere milliseconds in a breathtaking sprint over the finish line. Cycling legend Lance Armstrong finished six seconds behind the leading pack. Armstrong helped his RadioShack team mate, South African Daryl Impey, claim third place. Christoff van Heerden (MTN Energade) finished in second place.
The women had a similarly close finish, with the top twelve all claiming a finishing time of 3:06:11. Anriette Schoeman (Team Biogen Toyota) took a record sixth victory, with Robyn de Groot (MTN Energade) in second place and Briton Catherine Williamson (Team Bizhub) coming third.
Award winning Paralympic champion Ernst van Dyk once again dominated the hand cyclist category, winning in a time of 4:03:44. The tandem category was won by Paul Jacobs and Peter Barber. Alexander Milner and Sumari Schutte won the mixed tandem category.
According to David Bellairs, Co-Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust, this year's race was the most popular yet. "Supporters came out in droves to cheer on their friends and families, and of course to catch a glimpse of the celebrities competing."
There were echoes of last year's Tour of Storms early this morning, with winds reaching speeds of up to 46km/h. "While the wind prevailed throughout the day, it never reached the howling 100km/h gale-force winds of last year's race, and racing conditions were manageable for most riders."
Highest profile Tour yet
The 2010 Cycle Tour was the most high profile yet, largely due to the participation of seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Thousands of eager fans gathered at the start early this morning, in the hope of seeing their hero. After the race, Armstrong said the following on Twitter: "Argus Cycle Tour done! What a cool ride/race. Congrats to @darylimpey on gettin' 3rd."
About 35,000 cyclists from around the world braved the 110km route. Other sporting heroes who participated include Gabriela Sabatini, Hugo Porta, and ex-Springbok captains Francois Pienaar, Bob Skinstad and Corne Krige.
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