Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg – November 19, 2023
The morning sun beamed down softly (at first) on the bustling streets of Johannesburg setting the stage for an exhilarating day of cycling. With clear skies and radiant sunshine, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg! Over 13,500 riders eagerly geared up, ready to conquer the traffic-free streets of the city.
The start line buzzed. The Elite Riders were solemn – a prize purse of R200 000 hung in the balance – and the rest of the field were exuberant. The atmosphere – a mix of anticipation and determination.
The route was studied in advance. This year the finish line was changed. A technical finish with a couple of tight turns and an uphill sprint suited some riders but not others. Who would be able to make it work to their advantage? That was the question.
A gigantic big-screen TV in the hospitality zone ensured that every supporter was able to follow the live coverage of the race as it unfolded. Marc Pritzen (Honeycomb) was, at last, able to secure the victory thanks to the changed approach to the finish, whilst Carla Oberholzer (Sandton City CycleNation) rode to a spectacular victory in the ladies’ field.
The Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg route remained unchanged for the past three years, truly showcasing the vibrant diversity Johannesburg has to offer. It takes riders through iconic landmarks and scenic avenues. From the bustling city centre to the quieter suburban roads, cyclists experienced the unique charm of each neighbourhood as they pedalled through.
This is not just a cycling event; it is a celebration of community, enjoying being active, and the unbreakable spirit of a city united.
This event leaves an indelible mark on all who participate in it…
Virgin Active is the premier road race in Gauteng, and being able to secure a podium finish in any age category is truly outstanding.
Congratulations to all who stepped into our winner’s circle!
Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg 2023 Winner’s Circle:
Overall Men
1.Marc Pritzen | 02:09:00
2.Luke Moir | 02:09:01
3.Reinardt Janse van Rensburg | 02:09:21
Overall Women
1.Carla Oberholzer |
2.Maude Elaine le Roux
3.Joanna van de Winkel
Elite Men
1.Marc Pritzen | 02:09:00
2.Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg | 02:09:21
3.Gustav Basson | 02:09:21
Elite Women
1.Carla Oberholzer |
2.Maude Elaine le Roux
3.Joanna van de Winkel
Racing Juniors Men
1.Matthew Symm | 02:09:22
2.Ryno Schutte | 02: 09:25
3.Jose Kleinsmit | 02:12:25
Racing Juniors Women
1.Anika Visser | 02:48:15
2.Jessie Munton | 02:50:41
3.Anya du Plessis | 02:58:22
Racing Youths Male
1. Nicholas van der Merwe | 02:30:29
2. Gustav Roller | 02:31:14
3. Xander Erasmus | 02:31:15
Racing Youths Female
1.Jennah Jacobs | 03:20:22
2.Shanique Marx | 03:31:32
Under 23 Male
1.Luke Moir 02:09:01
2.Yoel Habteab | 02:09:21
3.Travis Stedman | 02:09:21
Under 23 Female
1.Kelsey Jade van Schoor | 02:44:37
2.Monique du Plessis | 02:44:38
3.Frances Janse van Rensburg | 02:50:40
Racing Vets 30 – 34 Male – Group VA
1.Mikhail Wertheim Aymes | 02:32:59
2. Warryn Fayard | 02:33:01
3. Niel Rossouw | 02:33:01
Racing Vets 35 – 39 Male – Group VB
1.Marc Rodrigues | 02:30:47
2.Du Toit Van Den Berg | 02:30:47
3.Barend Burger | 02:30:48
Racing Vets 40 – 44 Male – Group VC
1. Werner Roux | 02:30:47
2.Tieho Tsupane | 02:32:11
3. Bradley Fleming | 02:35:23
Racing Vets 45 – 49 Male – Group VD
1. David Garrett | 02:32:14
2. Jean Fourie | 02:32:15
3. Johan van Rooyen | 02:32:49
Racing Vets 50 – 54 Male – Group VE
1. Dana Schutte | 02:33:05
2. Maurizio Mottalini | 02:33:13
3. Jason Duffin | 02:33:14
Racing Vets 55 – 59 Male – Group VF
1.Andrew Westaway | 02:40:44
2.Ernest Welch | 02:40:49
3.Wayne Booysen | 02:41:29
Racing Vets 60+ Male – Group VG
1.Gary Beneke | 02:40:43
2.Collin-Allen Germs | 02:42:36
3.Will Wertheim Aymes | 02:42:37
Racing Vets 30 – 39 Female – Group VA
1.Beverley Wingfield | 02:53:57
2.Tanit Kruger | 02:54:26
3.Nadia Stuckler | 02:54:28
Racing Vets 40 – 49 Female – Group VC
1.Suzan Cronje | 02:45:25
2.Chani Mare | 02:54:27
3.Michelle Andrew | 02:59:21
Racing Vets 50+ Female – Group VE
1.Estelle Botha | 02:45:57
2.Natalie Madies | 03:00:53
3.Sandra Brookstone
Here is the link to all the podium photos on Facebook for you to download.
Until next year, Joburg… Just Ride.
