Stage 6, the Queen Stage of the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn international gravel stage race being held in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, has been neutralised due to dangerous weather.
By Sean Badenhorst
According to a press release from the organisers, the decision was made by the race commissaire to neutralise the entire 144km stage after requests from some leading professionals.
Extremely strong winds forced the delay of the start from 07h00 to 08h00 and the first 44km of the stage were initially neutralised.
“The wind continued to gust, making racing unsafe, and the day became increasingly hot – with temperatures of about 35degC being recorded on the route,” said the press release.
The decision was made before the riders were set off from the neutralised section at 44km into the stage. The decision followed discussions between the race commissaire and representatives of the leading professional riders who raised concerns about safety in the crosswinds.
“I was actually very much in favour of the neutralisation of the stage,” said experienced gravel racer and leader of the 35-39 amateur men’s category, Kevin Benkenstein.
“The wind was insane and just made handling – as we saw with Andri’s crash – just made it almost impossible to handle your bike on some of the descents. So I think that it was the only option because racers will race. If the race is on, they’re going to race, so you have to protect them from themselves.
“Unfortunately, what happened at the end of the day is that the last 100 kays was sort of okay, but the wind today was insane. When the race village is falling apart, it just becomes too much. One of those unlucky situations, but hopefully it’s not something that happens too often,” added Benkenstein.
“Unfortunately, Swiss professional rider Andri Frischknecht crashed in extreme crosswinds during this first neutralised section – at about 36km – and had to be taken to hospital with concussion and a shoulder injury. We have been in regular communication with the hospital about his condition and will continue to do so. We wish him a speedy recovery,” said the press release.
Race founder Kevin Vermaak said: “This is an obviously unfortunate turn of events and we would like to thank the positive spirit in which riders have approached it and the event crew for their hard work throughout the day.”
Saturday sees the final stage, a 112km leg from Gwanishi to Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
The leading General Classification positions going into the final stage are:
Pro Women General Classification after Stage 5
1 Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio – AG Insurance Soudal – 19:39:21
2 Melisa Rollins – Liv Racing Collective – +4:20
3 Hayley Preen – ChemChamp Honeycomb 226ers – +6:31
4 Lauren Stephens – Aegis Cycling Foundation – +7:01
5 Axelle Dubau-Prevot – Numéro 31 par Café du Cycliste / Pinarello – +8:54
Pro Men General Classification after Stage 5
1 Matthew Beers – Specialized Off-Road Toyota – 15:46:42
2 Simon Pellaud – Tudor Pro Cycling – +0:33
3 Hugo Drechou – Numéro31.cc / Pinarello – +6:42
4 Lukas Baum – Orbea x Leatt Speed Company – +8:28
5 Tristan Nortje – Imbuko ChemChamp – +9:19
For full General Classification standings, click here.
