The Toyota Specialized Race team competed at the Prince George 100 Miler in cool Prince Albert, with the 2024 edition omitting the Montague Pass due to winter rain damage. Instead, the race concluded at the picturesque Louvain wine farm.
The Toyota Specialized Team featured riders Johan Van Zyl, Alex Miller, and Cherise Willeit. The combined men’s and women’s field started together until the challenging Swartberg Pass, where Alex Miller seized the initiative after 10 kilometres attacking, claiming the King of the Mountains prize. He maintained momentum during the descent, racing into the Karoo landscape, where he was joined by a chasing Travis Stedman on the foothills around Swartberg, and they formed a strong partnership working to maintain a lead.
Meanwhile, Cherise engaged in a competitive battle with Robyn de Groot and Sarah Hill on the climb, with Robyn ultimately taking the Queen of the Mountains title. She would pay for these efforts later in the race, finishing in second place behind Sarah Hill.
After the first water point, riders navigated the longest stretch of tarmac in the race before turning onto some of the region’s finest gravel roads through Lategansvlei. Alex and Travis continued to push ahead over the technical gravel, with Johan trailing in third alongside Arnu Du Toit from Insect Science.
“Ok so at this point of the race fatigue can be a real problem, but the Specialized STR rides like a Hilux drives. Effortless comfort.” – Alex Miller
As the race progressed beyond 90 kilometers, the gradual ascent toward Louvain took its toll. Alex and Travis collaborated effectively, thwarting any attempts at a chase from behind. The shifting landscapes from mountains to the arid Karoo were accompanied by a slight headwind/sidewind as they approached the finish line.
Utilizing a technical section, Alex distanced himself from Travis and finished solo, claiming victory. This win boosts his confidence ahead of the Namibian National Gravel Championships next weekend.
Final Results
Elite Men
1. Alex Miller
2. Travis Stedman
3. Arnu Du Toit
4. Johan Van Zyl
Elite Women
1. Sarah Hill
2. Cherise Willeit
3. Yolande De Villiers
Looking ahead, the team’s next focus is the FNB Wines2Whales race in the Western Cape. Matt Beers will return from the Lifetime Gravel Series in America and team announcements for the upcoming race will be made soon.
Ride along with Johan down Swartberg Pass
Big thank you to our sponsors: Toyota, Specialized, Van H, Ikhambi, Cadence Nutrition, Oakley Bike, Squirt Lube
