![\"ccs-41808-0-29454100-1392110775.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-41808-0-29454100-1392110775.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a> Image credit: Mylene Paynter<\/span>\n<\/div>\nSunday\u2019s finale delivered exciting, top-class racing as the country\u2019s top cyclists battled it out along the M13 in Westville for the National Championship titles.<\/p>\n
Twenty-one year old Louis Meintjes (Team MTN-Qhubeka) claimed the overall victory in a time of 4 hours 27 minutes and 14 seconds, with a fine performance from 19-year-old Ryan Gibbons (Team EuropcarSA), who crossed the finish line tenth in 04:33:10.<\/p>\n
Elite cyclist Christopher Jennings (Bonitas Pro Cycling) recorded a top-ten finish when he crossed the line in fifth place. Cycling South Africa\u2019s post-race press release did not acknowledge Jennings\u2019 achievement, as his result had not reflected on the timed system used for the race.<\/p>\n
Jennings\u2019 chip had come off his bike during his race and the timing system did not register him crossing the finish line. Race officials have confirmed that he did finish in fifth place overall.<\/p>\n
Meintjes clinched the victory on the finish line against South African professional cyclist Daryl Impey (Orica GreenEdge). Impey looked set to take the victory when disaster struck and his chain broke in the final 15-metres before the finish line. Defending champion Jay Thomson (Team MTN-Qhubeka) claimed the bronze medal.<\/p>\n
The women\u2019s race saw Moolman-Pasio claim the victory after a calculated race with several attacks on the strong field. Cherise Stander crossed the line second, and 18-year-old Heidi Dalton, racing in her first year as an Elite, finished third.<\/p>\n