Bee Stings And Drama On Stage 1

Stage 1 of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek was off to an exhilarating start when the middle group of riders was met with a swarm of bees approximately 60 kms into the 103km stage. Some 30 riders were badly stung and treated at the scene and nine were hospitalised at the Medi Clinic in Oudtshoorn. Another rider, one of the top riders, has crashed at high speed and broken his ribs in an unrelated incident. 

Scooters Pizza For All The Bee Sting Victims

Carel Herholdt, of the event organisers Dryland, has confirmed that the majority of the hospitalised riders were due to be released by this evening and continue in the race. “We have adjusted the rules to accommodate the injured riders. All riders who are fit for riding may continue the race with no penalties”.

Henk Meyer, one of the Bridge Team riders says he was amazed at the speed the emergency was taken care of. “I was treated on the scene with over 100 stingers removed from me. Some riders were allergic and not so lucky to continue with their race. But the AMS chopper was on the scene in no time and airlifted the victims to safety. I have a lot of faith in the ability of the organiser,” says Henk. He adds that this part of the race was one the most scenic and breathtaking routes to ride on.

Max Friedrich and Nadine Rieder of Germany who finished first in the Mixed Team were lucky enough to miss the swarm of bees. “I will return to this race every year and tell all my friends and colleagues about your beautiful country and the excellent organising. Everything amazed me there is no detail that was not taken care of. We did not even know about the bees until we finished the race.”

The organisers have confirmed that all the riders are out of danger and safe.

“The medics were on the scene within 2minutes of us calling them. We’d like to thank them for their fast and efficient handling of this matter”, says Carel.

CEO of Bridge, the Title Sponsors, Emile Aldum has assured that they will transport all the hospitalised riders to get back in time to start Stage2. The bikes have already been transported back to the riders’ camp.

Live Stream information on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek can also be found on the blog:http://blog.capepioneer.co.za/

Information on the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek can be found at www.capepioneer.co.za

 - Jules Illing from The Little Black Book