Cycle Nation podium finishes highlighted the women’s race at the 2026 N3TC Meals on Wheels Cycle Challenge, where Lisa Bone placed second and Marzaan Mellett finished third outside Heidelberg.

The 103-kilometre event began in cold Highveld conditions, with riders facing a three-degree morning before the racing intensified. The start format combined the elite men and women with several veteran and masters categories. That created a large, fast bunch and shaped the tactical pattern from the opening kilometres.

After a short neutral section, the first attacks came almost immediately as the bunch left the venue. The early pace remained high and quickly put pressure on riders trying to stay near the front.

An early crash inside the opening three kilometres disrupted the bunch, but no Cycle Nation riders were involved. The team’s key contenders remained well placed as the decisive early selection formed.

Cycle Nation podium push begins in early split

By around 11 kilometres, the women’s race had already taken shape. Bone and Mellett both made the important front selection, joining Magda Nieuwoudt in the leading women’s group.

From there, the front women spent much of the race positioned among the men’s bunch. The mixed-field dynamic made the race difficult to control and harder to break open.

Several attempts were made to create separation, but none produced a lasting gap. The strength and size of the elite, veteran and masters men in the group repeatedly helped close moves down. Each time the women tried to force a split, the race came back together.

That pattern left the women’s contest finely balanced entering the closing kilometres. With no decisive move gaining enough distance, the result remained open until the sprint.

Narrow finish decides women’s race

The race came down to a bunch sprint on a narrow finishing section marked by beacons. The finale added further drama when buck crossed near the finish, bringing an unexpected obstacle close to the decisive moments.

Nieuwoudt launched a brave and committed sprint in the final metres. She navigated the edge of the road, briefly rode across a section of gravel, then returned to the tar. She held her advantage to take the women’s victory.

Bone crossed the line in second place for Cycle Nation. Mellett followed close behind in third, completing a double podium for the team in a fast and tactical women’s race.

Women’s top three

• 1. Magda Nieuwoudt
• 2. Lisa Bone – Cycle Nation
• 3. Marzaan Mellett – Cycle Nation

The result continues Cycle Nation’s strong run of performances in 2026. It also underlines the team’s ability to compete in races shaped by speed, positioning and complex mixed-field tactics.

For Bone and Mellett, the podium places came after a race that rewarded alert early riding and patience in the closing stages. Both riders survived the opening pressure, made the key selection and stayed in contention until the finish.

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