Sifiso Nhlapo kept his Olympic hopes alive when he beat many of the world’s best riders to grab a second victory in the 2008 European BMX Championship Series in Switzerland at the weekend.

The 20-year-old South African placed third in Round 9 and then won Round 10 of the 12-leg European Championship Series, the most competitive international BMX racing series in the world. The win came at a good time for Nhlapo, whose last triumph in the Series was back in Round 1 last December.

The second edition of the Kgaswane Mountain Bike race was held at Hunters Rest Resort near Rustenburg on Saturday. Riders had the choice of taking part in a 35 km half marathon or the 55 km classic. A beautiful day and 9 o'clock start allowed everyone the opportunity to relax before they were sent up a 3 km near vertical ascent. Yip, with the 35 and 55 km events following very similar routes and only one way out of the resort, everyone was forced to ascend the same brutal climb.

Team MTN’s Cherise Taylor bounced back from illness to win a thrilling sprint and claim the 124km Maluti Challenge road cycling race title in Bethlehem at the weekend.

It was the first race for the 18-year-old Taylor since she won the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour three weeks ago. She’s been battling with glandular fever, which first struck her during the Tour of New Zealand in February and then returned a fortnight ago.