Well-known South African mountain biker, Greg Anderson, was killed in a hit and run on Sunday, 16 July, while training in Mpumalanga.
Anderson (57) finished second with teammate Deon Kruger in the Grand Masters category at the 2017 Absa Cape Epic and second with Andrew McLean in the same division at the 2015 Cape Epic (they won the final stage). He had completed nine Cape Epics and was a regular podium finisher in his age category in mountain bike races.
According to Kruger, Anderson’s body was found next to the road along with his smashed bicycle on the road between Hazyview and Graskop early on Sunday morning.
“Greg was on holiday with his family. He went for an early training ride. It was a hit and run is all that we know. They did find and arrest the driver thankfully,” said Kruger.
“Greg Anderson tipped his cap in respect when he shook your hand. A true gentleman. But get him on his beloved mountain bike and he was a true competitor, just ask any of his Cape Epic partners. Greg was a racer in every sense of the word,” said McLean
“One of my fondest memories of Greg was when he arrived at Cycle Lab to buy new mountain bike shoes. He arrived with a scale to weigh his options. He was the ultimate weight weenie. He will be sorely missed by many. Keep riding Greg, you deserve epic never-ending trails,” added McLean.
“I didn’t know Greg too well, but well enough to have done some training rides with him. He was a ridiculously impressive athlete, initially as a triathlete and more recently as a mountain biker,” said Sean Badenhorst, Editor at TREAD media.
“Even if they didn’t know Greg, most knew of him. He never acted his age on a bike, usually beating most of the field, including riders young enough to be his sons and even grandsons. He was an incredible athlete.”
“Speechless at this tragic news. One of the nicest gentlemen of our sport. RIP Greg Anderson”, tweeted Anriette Schoeman.
“Tragic news! RIP Greg Anderson. Thoughts and prayers for Colleen and the boys,” tweeted Joel Stransky.
Photo: Dino Lloyd
News of Anderson’s death first emerged on Sunday morning when Kristian Fesel tweeted, with images of Anderson’s smashed mountain bike: “Bike found on Hazyview Graskop road after 06:00 this AM. W/M owner found next to bike, but sadly passed away. No idea of next of kin.”
“One of the ladies in my triathlon club sent out pics and a message via WhatsApp. She was in Sabie for the Jock Cycle Tour. I tweeted it and some of Greg’s mates recognised that it was his bike and contacted me. They had been searching for him on behalf of his wife,” said Fesel.
Anderson is survived by wife Colleen and sons Rob, Ryan and Nick.
Memorial rides planned:
PPA Stay Wider of the Rider
A memorial ride for all cyclists killed and injured on the roads.
Date: July 22
Johannesburg: PWC Bike Park – Map/directions
Time: 7am for 7.40am (Incl safety talk and briefing)
Details: 021 671 6340
ABSA Pride :
Organised by ABSA Pride in Greg Anderson’s name, a tribute by the Pride riders and team. All welcome, if possible it is requested to wear an item of red clothing and to email the RSVP as an indication of attendance.
Date: August 6
Johannesburg: Northern Farms – Map/Directions
Cape Town: Jonkershoek – Map/Directions
Time: 7am for 7.30am
RSVP: miap@playmakers.co.za
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