Nolan Hoffman of Tasol GT claims a hat trick of wins in the aQuellé Tour Durban. Photo: Dave Macleod/Gameplan Media
Nolan Hoffman bagged a hat trick of wins in the aQuellé Tour Durban cycle race on Sunday, providing the perfect swansong for Tasol GT.
Hoffman was elated, particularly at the end of a drama-laden race in which he had to come from behind twice to edge out a strong challenge from Argus champion Herman Fouche and his Bonitas team-mate Christoff van Heerden.
Hoffman’s dramas started on the out-and-back loop up the M4 in the closing stages when he became aware of a slow puncture.
He discreetly told his team-mates that he would have to stop to change wheels with colleague Myles van Musschenbroek.
“It took me about three kilometres to catch up with the bunch again, which was a relief,” said Hoffman. “I was stressing but I kept my cool and used my strengths to come back.”
Hoffman and his team-mates were well set up for the lead-out going into the final two right handers at Moses Mabhida Stadium but found himself boxed against the barrier on the inside with Fouche and van Heerden ahead of him.
“That is what sprinting is all about. At times like that you have to turn the impossible into the possible,” said Hoffman.
“It was a huge gamble and it all happened so fast. It was very close in the end.”
With a television motorbike just in front of the leaders he shot up the inside and crossed the line ahead of the Bonitas duo to claim his third title in succession, and the fourth back-to-back win for Tasol GT.
“It was great to finish off our time in these team colours with a good final swansong,” Hoffman added.
“We are a very determined bunch of guys, committed to working together, so this result is really special.”
The team immediately announced plans to stay together, despite their sponsorship from Tasol Solar Systems expiring at the end of the month.
They have formed a “people’s team” called “Abuntu” which they hope will be sustained by fans buying kit and membership of their team.
Runner-up Fouche was gracious in defeat, despite an immediate protest from his team over the role played by the motorcycle in the finish straight.
“That’s racing!” said Fouche, who warmly congratulated Hoffman on his win. “It was a great hard race and he took his chance well.”
Dylan Girdlestone (Westvaal BMC) scooped the King of the Mountain prize at the 27km mark, with Johan Rabie (Tasol GT) snatching the sprint hotspot at 52km.
The women’s race proved to be an emphatic one for the Momentum Toyota team captained by seasoned pro Lynette Burger, who ended a run of unusually poor form with a solid victory over Marissa Stander (Bestmed).
RESULTS
Men
1. Nolan Hoffman 2:20:31
2. Herman Fouche 2:20:31
3. Christoff van Heerden 2:20:31
4. Dusty Day 2:20:31
5. Ryan Felgate (U18) 2:20:31
6. Rian Gouws (U23) 2:20:32
7. Avery Arendse 2:20:32
8. Shaun-Nick Bester 2:20:32
9. Andrew Warr 2:20:32
10. Martin Scheppel 2:21:32
Women
1. Lynette Burger
2. Marissa Stander
3. Leandri du Toit
4. Anri Coetzee
5.Cashandra Slingerland
