Team RSAWEB takes 2nd place at Die Burger

December 06, 2010

This past weekend Team RSAWEB were amongst over 6,500 cyclists who competed in Die Burger Cycle Tour in Stellenbosch. Robert Quinn of Team RSAWEB finished in a time of 2:29.27, resulting in a close second place to Moolman Welgemoed (Daiken GU) who won Die Burger in a time of 2:29.24.

Robert Quinn reflects on the race:

40km into the race, and our breakaway of 3 cyclists had created a gap of approximately 2 minutes – it almost felt too good to be true, with the 3 “chiefs” from 3 teams casually riding off the front 15km into the race. We rotated a high pace evenly through Paarl, and at 65km out, we received word that a 10-strong group where hunting us 35 seconds back. We upped our load and refused to get caught, but the pack was snapping at our heels for 15km when suddenly they gave up and re-merged back into the peloton. With 20km to go, we turned directly into the wind and then had the final rollers and a 40 second gap to contend with.

I pressed hard over the climbs, possibly too hard as I busted a rear wheel spoke, and tackled with a rim hitting the break-pads – I made my best adjustments, but still struggled. Moolman had opened a gap by this time and Traduex Ordernaal (Cape Town Market) had lost touch. I managed to close the gap, but due to my busted rear wheel spoke, I knew I wasn’t able to sprint and had to stay seated for the remainder of the race. My only fear was being caught with no podium position as a result, so I gave it my all and surprisingly maintained a healthy gap to finish with 2nd place to a former SA Champion sprinter.