World Transplant Games - 20km Cycling Road Race

World Transplant Games: Durban

Wednesday 31 July

20km Cycling Road Race

It was a great day on the roads yet again for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team as they cleaned up in the World Transplant Games 20km Cycling Road Race in Durban with a haul of 11 medals.

Pedalling away with the overall line honours, defending champion Richard Smith shared the men’s title with Norwegian Erlend Gjerde in a time of 33.21 and Ottilie Quince powered her way to victory in the women’s race in a time of 39.18.

“I didn’t think for a minute I was going to win today. The quality of riders lining up was fantastic.” an elated Smith stated after the race. “I really thought Stefano from Italy or Erlend from Norway would take the race.”

“The pace was extremely quick on the route today. I tried to break away from the pack twice, once making my move heading out to La Lucia and then on the motorway returning back to the city. The pack just reeled me back in effortlessly.” explained the experienced man of seven World Transplant Games. “At one point Erlend and Stefano started to make their move and I had to fight to keep up with them.”

“Stefano is a really talented guy, we are best mates but the relationship is a unique one as I don’t speak a word of Italian and he doesn’t speak any English and yet we both know exactly what we are saying speaking the universal language of cycling. I have the utmost respect for him when he gets on the saddle, a talent to watch out for!” stated the complimentary Brit, who holds the title of a Level 3 British Cycling Coach.

“I knew that whoever got to the last island near the Suncoast Casino first would be the winner, and seeing as though I couldn’t outpace them, I relied on tactics to outrace the lads.” a relieved Smith said.

“This has got to be the best World Transplant Games road race I have ever competed in.” Smith said smiling.

Talking about organ donation, Smith nicknamed “Recycled Richard” echoed, “I am in awe of anyone that signs up to become a donor. You boost your status to hero in my books. But it is not a simple thing to do; I believe you really have to think about what becoming an organ donor is all about. But it truly is a good thing; you can save up to seven people’s lives.”

Double double World Champion, Ottilie Quince won both overall and age category in the 5km time trials and the 20km race today, “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I am really happy. I got both the scratch and the age group; titles that I am incredibly proud of!”

Questioned about organ donation, she firmly states, “Heavens knows we need them. Back home three people a day die waiting for an organ. It costs nothing and could save so many! I am lucky that I have an amazing Mom, she gave me the gift of life twice.”

Quince is gearing up for a major op when she returns home, the spunky athlete had a kidney transplant when she was 25 years old, receiving her Mom’s kidney six years ago. In October last year on one of her regular check-ups the doctor found a tumour on her kidney and in March it was suspected of being malignant, “In a couple of weeks the docs are going to see what needs to be done with my only kidney. I am staying positive.” the inspirational lady commented.

Holding the SA flag high, Jan Fourie was the first South African home in the men finishing in fifteenth overall and fifth in his age category of 50 – 59 and the only lady racing in the green and gold, Nora Lobaard from Namibia finished in sixteenth overall and second in her age category 18 – 29.

The riders went off in four batches heading in a northerly direction from the Kings Park Swimming Pool on the beach road, getting onto the M4 North near Blue Lagoon, with a U-Turn at La Lucia sprinting back to the finish at Kings Park Pool.

Results

Men Overall

1 = Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 33.21, 1 = Erlend Gjerde (Norway) 33.21, 3 = Luc Laurent (Belgium) 33.22, 3 = Stefano Caredda (Italy) 33.22, 5 Antonio Ontoso (Spain) 33.23, 6 = Bas Hoven (Netherlands) 33.24, 6 = Alberto Signorini (Italy) 33.24, 8 Scott Miller (Australia) 33.26, 9 Luis Francisco Sanz Diaz (Spain) 35.05, 10 Blaj Signes (Spain) 35.05

Women Overall

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 39.18, 2 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 39.51, 3 Melissa Slaney (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 41.22, 4 Diana Higman (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 42.32, 5 Zoe Dixon (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 43.20, 6 Sarah Ferron (Canada) 43.21, 7 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 43.27, 8 Elizabeth Schick (Switzerland) 43.30, 9 Liliana Zelasqui (Argentina) 45.53, 10 Sheila Gregan (Ireland) 46.19

Men 18 – 29

1 Luis Francisco Sanz Diaz (Spain) 35.05, 2 Gideon Elve (Netherlands) 39.59, 3 Simon Ripley (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 44.45

Women 18 – 29

1 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 43.27, 2 Nora Lombaard (South Africa) 1.02.12

Men 30 – 39

1 Erlend Gjerde (Norway) 33.21, 2 Bas Hoven (Netherlands) 33.24, 3 Alberto Signorini (Italy) 33.24

Women 30 - 39

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 39.18, 2 Sarah Ferron (Canada) 43.21, 3 Jorie Von Ohlen (United States of America) 1.09.19

Men 40 – 49

1 Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 33.21, 2 = Luc Laurent (Belgium) 33.22, 2 = Stefano Caredda (Italy) 33.22

Women 40 – 49

1 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 39.51, 2 Melissa Slaney (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 41.22, 3 Zoe Dixon (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 43.20

Men 50 – 59

1 John Moran (Ireland) 36.27, 2 Randall Stafford (United States of America) 36.28, 3 Jean-Claude Schurig (Switzerland) 36.29

Women 50 – 59

1 Diana Higman (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 42.32, 2 Elizabeth Schick (Switzerland) 43.30, 3 Liliana Zelasqui (Argentina) 45.53

Men 60 – 69

1 Koos Moerkerk (Netherlands) 36.42, 2 Alain Fossard (France) 36.42, 3 Robert Jolliffe (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Women 60 – 69

1 Fidelma Hodkinson (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 52.37, 2 Gisele Ceppi – Lucas (Sweden) 52.38

Men 70 +

1 Thomas Jenkin (United States of America) 40.07, 2 Enrico Dell’Acqua (Italy) 44.08, 3 Jean-Claude Le Bourhis (France) 44.14