How to Take on the Gauteng Cycling Criterium Champs 2024: Lessons from a Hard-Fought Race

The Gauteng Cycling Criterium Champs 2024 lived up to its reputation as a fast, tactical, and fiercely competitive event. Held at the Lords View Office Park, the course was designed to push riders to their limits, with sweeping corners and punchy straights—a perfect stage for decisive moves and dramatic attacks. For the RKC Collective, the event was a showcase of grit, teamwork, and a little bit of heartbreak.

 

 

The Venue: A Crit-Racer’s Playground

 

Lords View Office Park, already popular in the criterium community, delivered another thrilling day of racing. Its wide, flowing layout allows for speed, but it’s the technical corners and subtle changes in elevation that make it a real test of a rider’s abilities. Similar to the *East Side Crits* series held here, positioning is everything. Riders who can maintain a spot near the front often control the race’s flow and dictate the pace. Keanan did just that, taking full advantage of this fast, tactical course.

 

Keanan’s Bold Moves

 

Keanan was all in from the start. With sharp accelerations and fearless attacks, he put himself in a position to dominate the field. His aggressive style set the tone early on—refusing to sit back and wait for the pack to dictate his race. After several explosive surges, he committed to one final breakaway, attempting to solo to the finish. While the group reeled him in just shy of the line, his tenacity was evident, and the effort was nothing short of inspiring. It’s the kind of race strategy that pushes the boundaries and tests whether your legs can back up your willpower.

Rohan’s Unlucky Break

In criterium racing, even the most prepared riders can be at the mercy of circumstances. Rohan, a proven crit specialist, was perfectly positioned when disaster struck—just two laps from the finish, a puncture took him out of the running. It’s the kind of scenario every racer dreads, particularly when you’re in the mix for the win. However, with his solid positioning and sharp race instincts, Rohan’s future races will no doubt see him bounce back stronger.

Kent’s Remarkable Comeback

Kent, who was returning from illness, showed that resilience and determination can make all the difference. While still recovering, he managed to power through and secure 2nd place in the Gauteng classification, alongside a 3rd place overall. His comeback wasn’t just about tactics; it was a statement. As the rest of the season unfolds, Kent’s ability to hit form at the right time could be a major asset to the team. His measured, strategic racing provided a contrast to Keanan’s attacking style, highlighting the value of a balanced team effort.

What’s Next for RKC?

This year’s Gauteng Cycling Criterium Champs may not have ended with a win, but the experience was invaluable. From Keanan’s fearless attacks to Rohan’s tough break and Kent’s remarkable resilience, the team has shown that they have the firepower to challenge at the highest level. As the season progresses, expect to see more of this aggressive yet tactical approach from RKC.

For riders aspiring to compete in future criteriums at Lords View, the takeaway is clear: position yourself early, stay alert, and when you see an opportunity—commit fully, just like Keanan did. There will always be factors outside your control, but with determination and smart racing, the results will come.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in RKC Collective’s journey as they tackle the rest of the season, one race at a time!

 

Images by Brian Brummer