MATSAPHA – Kwanele Jele produced a perfectly timed late attack to win a dramatic 40km Matsapha Criterium.
The 40km main race, hosted by Newcomm Wheels yesterday at the Kellogg’s Circuit, TRIOMF, lived up to expectations as rain, speed and tactics combined for a gripping contest. A large peloton stayed tightly packed through the opening 10 laps, with no rider able to force a decisive move.
Early aggression came from Samkeliso Mnisi, Thabiso Motsa, Lungelo Mlangeni (MTN Khemani) and eventual winner Kwanele Jele, who repeatedly tested the bunch. Mlangeni was briefly dropped and appeared out of contention, but he dug deep to rejoin the peloton around the 11th lap, instantly restoring his challenge.
For much of the race, the spotlight shone on 14-year-old Thobekile Dlamini, who astonishingly led the peloton for the first eight laps, holding off experienced and powerful contenders glued to his wheel.
The race was decided in the final two laps when Jele, having sat quietly towards the back, launched a blistering breakaway. His move caught the peloton flat-footed as he surged clear to win in 01:10:12, narrowly beating Thabiso Motsa, with Lungelo Mlangeni completing the podium after his remarkable recovery.
In the ladies’ race, Mandiswa Fakudze of Newcomm Wheels stole the show, riding aggressively among the men and even overtaking several male riders before winning in 01:21:34. Her closest rival, Nontsikelelo Mdlovu, was forced to abandon after mechanical problems.
RDR Cycling Club nails one-two finish in 20km
MATSAPHA – RDR Cycling Club dominated the 20km as Phinda Dlamini led teammate Mduduzi Zwane home.
The 20km (six laps) race showcased teamwork and composure as Phinda Dlamini controlled the pace to secure victory in 35:50:87, achieving his target of finishing inside an hour despite wet conditions.
His clubmate Mduduzi Zwane followed closely in 36:39:28, sealing a one-two finish for RDR Cycling Club and underlining their growing strength in criterium racing.
Sakhelo Mamba completed the podium after a determined ride, while the circuit’s tight corners and fast straights continued to test riders’ handling and speed management.
In the 10km (three laps) event, Mduduzi Kaudi proved the fastest on the day, powering to victory in 26:24:33, ahead of Bayanda Dlamini and Ntokozo Simelane in a sharp sprint finish.
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