Burger Shows Her True Champ Colours

Race Report : Release Centre

One of the admired characteristics of a true champion is the ability to display humility. South African women’s road race champion, Lynette Burger, was a shining example of a champion on Sunday when she helped raise the profile of an unheralded charity cycle race in Heidelberg.

The Toyota Supercycling team captain was, not surprisingly, a comfortable winner of the women’s category of the 90km Meals on Wheels race, but said that she felt good about being able to support a good cause in the process.

“Every entrant was asked to bring at least one can of tinned food to the race, which the organisers would then distribute to those who needed it,” explained Burger. “It’s amazing to think that we are so healthy and fit and full of energy while there are people that consider one tin of food a luxury. I feel privileged to have been a part of such a good cause.”

For Burger and Toyota Supercycling teammate, Joanna van der Winkel – who finished second on Sunday – it was an ideal, low-pressure event at which to regain some momentum following a break from riding after the team returned last week from a tough stage race in France, the Tour de Ardeche.

“The race in France was the toughest event I’ve ever competed in,” remarked Burger. “But while we didn’t get near a podium there, we improved our racing form, perfectly in time for a busy last 10 weeks of the local racing calendar. In fact, my power meter in today’s race showed I recorded my highest average wattage ever for a race, which shows I’m in good form.”

Burger and her teammates will be among the favourites for victory at Thursday’s MTN Zoo Lake Classic, a high-profile circuit race through northern Johannesburg suburbs.