Lisa Bone of Sandton City Cycle Nation won the 2024 edition of the Blue Diamond Classic held in Cullinan over the weekend.
Lisa Bone from Sandton City Cycle Nation won the 99km Blue Diamond Classic recently in Cullinan. Johannesburg resident, Bone, completed the 99km undulating route in 2 hours and 39 minutes. Racing took place under ideal conditions. Despite a small women’s field, Sandton City fielded a full-strength team, with South African Road Champion Carla Oberholzer returning to competition after a six-month absence.
The elite women started the race alongside the licensed master men, with Bone and Oberholzer actively engaging with the group. At several points, Oberholzer played a key role in creating a split in the bunch, pushing the pace. The decisive move occurred at the 55km mark when Bone and Oberholzer led a breakaway of six riders. Along with the men, they maintained the lead to the finish.
Lisa Bone crossed the line first, followed by teammate Carla Oberholzer, with Melissa Kretzinger of Pirtek Customized Cycling securing third place.