Rohan du Plooy claims victory in a tight sprint finish, while Sonica Klopper leads a commanding 1-2-3 result for her team in the women’s race.
Durban, South Africa (22 April 2026) – The Durban beachfront delivered a thrilling day of racing as the aQuellé Tour Durban 100km Invitational wrapped up with standout performances in both the men’s and women’s events.
In the women’s race, it was all about teamwork and determination, with the Tshenolo Women’s Pro Cycling squad dominating proceedings. Sonica Klopper led teammates Megan Botha and Lucy Young across the line in a clean 1-2-3 finish, capping off a strategy that saw the trio hold on within the leading men’s peloton for most of the race.
Klopper has this to say as she celebrates her team’s success.
“Our plan today was just actually to stick with the men for as long as we could. Racing with the men we knew it was going to be really hard. I felt more nervous at the start of this race than I do before any other women’s race.”
Their performance also saw them finish fourth overall in the CSA National Inter-Club Challenge, in what was a tightly contested team battle.
On the men’s side, Rohan du Plooy delivered when it mattered most, timing his sprint perfectly to take the win after a tactical and fast-paced race. Riding for Team Fly Cool Collective, he edged out Ryno Schutte and Scott Blount in a final dash to the line.
The race itself unfolded over two longer laps followed by four shorter, high-speed circuits between Moses Mabhida Stadium and Durban North.
“The race was a bit sketchy to start with. I think just because there were so many different abilities of people in one group, but then after the first lap we split the elites away from the rest and it settled down.”
du Plooy added there was also a surprise along the way.
“I was surprised there was such a big gap at the end of the sprint. Scott Blount went first and then Ryno tried to close him down, and I think he just did not have the legs, but I had his slipstream to catch Scott. Scott’s legs were also fried and Ryno got around him for second.”
The Durban leg once again delivered a competitive and entertaining showcase on the cycling calendar.
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