Tristan Nortje Smashes Record at 2024 Lions Karoo to Coast

Tristan Nortje broke the 12-year-old course record by nearly 3 minutes at the 2024 Lions Karoo to Coast, soloing to victory. Catherine Colyn was equally dominant in the women’s race, winning by over 11 minutes on Sunday, 22 September. After last year’s event was canceled due to storms, this year’s weather was ideal, with cool temperatures and clear skies.

Perfect Conditions for Fast Times

The day started with near-freezing temperatures in Uniondale. As the sun rose, it warmed up but remained cool, helping riders set fast times. Only headwinds for the final 14 kilometers, from Gouna to the Knysna finish, posed a challenge. The course varied, with some gravel sections smooth and fast, while others were slow or washed out by rain earlier in the week.

Gravel Bikes vs. Mountain Bikes

Pre-race speculation centered on whether gravel bikes would be faster. None of the favorites took the risk, opting for mountain bikes instead. “These roads get rutted with little rain, and I thought I could lose up to a minute per descent on a gravel bike,” Colyn explained. This choice helped her maintain an early lead and dominate both climbs and descents.

Colyn’s Commanding Performance

Colyn took control from the start, knowing the men’s field would push a fast pace. She built a solid lead on the Ou Wapad climb, staying 1 minute and 48 seconds ahead of Lehane Oosthuizen. Cherise Willeit worked her way into second but couldn’t close the gap. Colyn won with a time of 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 40 seconds, finishing 11 minutes ahead of Willeit, with Oosthuizen taking third.

Nortje’s Solo Attack Secures Victory

Nortje attacked early, separating himself from the pack within 7 kilometers. His aggressive strategy paid off as he soloed through the race. “I knew the record was possible, but in a group, we might waste time watching each other, so I went alone,” he said. Despite challenges for riders behind him, including Cronje Beukes’ puncture, Nortje held his lead, focusing on breaking the record in the final stretch.

Strong Finish for Top Contenders

Beukes, Jayden Durandt, and Johan van Zyl tried to close the gap, but Nortje remained untouchable. Nortje crossed the line in 3 hours and 31 seconds, beating the previous course record by 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Van Zyl finished second, 6 minutes behind, with Beukes taking third. Freddie Visser recovered from a slow start to finish in fifth place.

Race Director Reflects on Success

Race Director Zandile Meneses praised the return of Cycling South Africa seeding, which led to faster times and thrilling racing. “It was great to see local riders from George and Knysna do so well. The goal was to foster local talent, and this year’s event showed that our riders can compete with the best in the country.”

2024 Lions Karoo to Coast Results

Men’s:

1. Tristan Nortje (3:00:31)

2. Johan van Zyl (3:07:25 | +6:54)00

3. Cronje Beukes (3:13:24 | +12:53)

4. Jayden Durandt (3:14:59 | +14:28)

5. Freddie Visser (3:23:54 | +23:23)

Women’s:

1. Catherine Colyn (3:53:40)

2. Cherise Willeit (4:05:22 | +11:42)

3. Lehane Oosthuizen (4:07:47 | +14:07)

4. Rozaan Bekker (4:10:56 | +17:16)

5. Roxy Kemp (4:14:32 | 20:52)

To view the full results from the 2024 Lions Karoo to Coast click here. For more information visit www.karootocoast.com.