The 2017 Knysna Cycle Tour In Pictures


Michael Finch |

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Image Supplied
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This year’s Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival kicked off with a successful Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour which saw thousands of cyclists descend on Knysna for the two-day event, despite fires in the area.

About 3,500 riders competed in the MTB races on Saturday (8 July 2017), which saw Matthys Beukes, Team PYGA Euro Steel, win the 80km MTB event in 02:47:02. First woman home was Robyn de Groot (03:00:10), who rides for Team Ascendis Health.

Sunday’s road race (9 July) saw two first time winners for the Knysna Cycle Tour 115km event. Brendon Davids (Team Road Cover) clinched his first Knysna Cycle Tour road race title, finishing in a time of 02:45:30. Carmen Buchacher also took her first ever win in the women’s race, in a time of 2:55:46.

Young hand cyclist Zach Rauch Legward managed to fulfil his goal to be the youngest differently-abled competitor to complete the 50km road race.

Gallery: Images From Road and MTB Events 

Successful Event Despite #KnysnaFires

Marketing Director of the Knysna Cycle Tour, Andrew Finn said that he was extremely happy with the events considering the fact that it took place just one month after the devastating Knysna fires.

“We are grateful to the thousands of cyclists who made the trip to Knysna to support the Cycle Tour and our campaign #RideForALocal,” said Finn. “We had great weather on Saturday for the mountain bike races and managed to stave off the rain on Sunday until the bulk of the field was home. Our other events, the SPUR Children’s Fun Rides and the Forest Family Dam Ride also went off smoothly and were well supported.”

Doug Emanuel, President of Knysna Rotary which coordinates the event, said that the turnout for the Cycle Tour was fantastic. “We were a bit anxious after the fires but very soon it was business as usual in Knysna”.

Carel Bosman, Head of Sponsorships for Momentum, naming sponsor of the cycle tour, said that it was a wonderful weekend of racing and festivities. “The cyclists turned out in their droves to support Knysna and there was a great vibe in the town after the previous traumatic weeks following the fires. There really was a sense that Knysna was rising from the devastation.

Momentum was very involved in the relief effort, and it is wonderful to see locals and visitors enjoying themselves again in the outdoors and the sunshine. I rode the race myself and I can tell you that the forest is still beautiful and Knysna has lost none of its appeal.”

All gallery images were supplied.

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