Nedbank Gravel Burn riders woke early on Friday morning to extremely strong winds and then rain. At one stage, riders were evacuated from their Lapa’s to a central meeting point in the Burn Camp for their safety. It was decided to delay the 7 am start by an hour and neutralise the racing to Padstal 1 – water point – at 46km on the route. This decision was welcomed by riders.
Unfortunately, Swiss professional rider Andri Frischknecht crashed in extreme crosswinds during this neutralised section – at about 36km – and had to be taken to hospital with concussion and a shoulder injury. The Gravel Burn organisers said: “We have been in regular communication with the hospital about his condition and will continue to do so. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
The stage was initially neutralized to the first padstal, at the 46 kilometre mark. Photo by Paul Ganse/Gravel Burn.
The wind continued to gust, making racing unsafe, and the day became increasingly hot – with temperatures of about 35degC being recorded on the route. After requests from the leading professionals the race commissaire decided to neutralise the entire stage.
Race founder Kevin Vermaak said: “This is an obviously unfortunate turn of events and we would like to thank the positive spirit in which riders have approached it and the event crew for their hard work throughout the day.”
Cherise Willeit also hit the deck during Stage 6. Photo by Paul Ganse/Gravel Burn.
All riders who started today’s stage will be eligible to ride tomorrow and for a finishers’ medal, tackling the final stage from Gwanishi to Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
For more information visit, www.gravel-burn.com.
