LISTEN: KAP Sani2c community rallies around late rider's family
Organisers of KZN's KAP Sani2c race say the death of one of the cyclists has devastated both the man's family and fellow riders.
Christo Pieterse from Centurion was halfway through the 83 kilometre first stage of the popular mountain bike race when he suffered a heart attack and collapsed yesterday morning.
The event's Dave Mcleod says the 39-year-old father-of-two was rushed to a Pietermaritzburg hospital where he died.
"He was riding with his wife - and it was a very traumatic time. The race community has really rallied around them. They've been in touch with her. She's obviously devastated by his death. She's being looked after by her family and the race organisers. The race committee and community which takes part in this event is a very close one.
"He had done five of these in the past. He was a regular participant here and the community tends to get to know each other. So, it was a blow that has been felt by a lot of the riders taking part," Mcleod said.
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Mcleod says at the start of the second stage today, fellow riders paid tribute to Pieterse.