Discovery 947 Ride Joburg, hosted by the City of Johannesburg in partnership with Discovery and 94.7 Highveld Stereo, had over 22 000 cyclists enjoying the full road closures along the route.
Yesterday, 17 November 2019, cyclists owned the streets of Joburg while paddling safely and freely from Riversands Commercial Park passing through the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and heading back enjoying the full road closure of M1 North all the way up to Woodmead.
Mayor Mashaba fired up the starter's gun at 5:30am to officially start the race for elite group, and wished all the cyclists a safe ride in the streets of Joburg.
The women's elite defending champion, Clara Obelhozler, was the first to reach the finish line, while Mark Pritzen finished first in the men's elite race.
Oberholzer said she is excited to have defended her title and was looking forward to do it for the third time next year. “I am obviously very happy taking a win for the team. We had some super team work out there," said Oberholzer.
Pritzen said he was also shaking from excitement. “It was a really good race, everything worked out the way we'd hoped. It is a very unpredictable race at the end of the day, so we are absolutely excited how it worked out for us."
Onthatile Mofokeng an 11-year-old from Naledi in Soweto, who had just finished the race under five hours, said he was excited with his achievement and was looking forward to improving in the second attempt next year.
The Discovery 947 Ride Joburg is drawing lots of spectators more like “Tour de France" as the cyclists were cheered up by spectators and families along the route. All the road closures became camping spots as residents with gazebos and camp chairs made braai and offered cyclists chocolates, water, energy drinks and ice-cream. It was a family affair for the young and old as they played music, danced and cheered the cyclists while some spectators enjoyed adult beverages.
Over and above the nine official water points, cyclists were treated to many more water points and massage spots lined up along the route.
Johannesburg Metro Police department (JMPD) deployed 550 officers to guard the route and ensure that everyone is safe.
The casualties of the vigorously flipped Discovery 947 Ride Joburg received a hero's welcome as they crossed the finish line inside sweeping buses and their bicycles on the AA emergency rescue service tow trucks.
Emergency services and the Netcare 911 choppers ensured that there was no one left behind. It was a jubilant mood as the race finished in its tradition with sirens, flashing lights and a choppers' fly-past.
