MBOMBELA – Two local cyclists died in separate incidents during the weekend’s Cape Town Cycle Tour.
According to a statement by Western Cape SAPS spokesman, Sgt Noloyiso Rwexana, in the first incident Ulrich Arrenbrecht (41), who grew up in Mbombela, suffered severe trauma and died of his injuries just before 09:00 on the M3 southbound.
“A group of 20 cyclists were involved in a pile-up. An inquest docket has been opened,” said Rwexana.
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Ruby and Ulrich Arrenbrecht.
Bosseau Bosoff, chairman of Road Cycling SA and friend of Arrenbrecht, said he had been living in Cape Town for the last couple of years, but remembers him as an enthusiastic cyclist and person. “It’s an incredibly sad day for us and the cycling fraternity,” he said.
A family member of Arrenbrecht, who lives in Mbombela, said he remembers him as a very positive and helpful person.
“He was always willing to help, and went out of his way for people. We as family are shocked. It’s an incredibly sad day for us,” he said and added that Arrenbrecht was a pilot for Mango Airlines, based in Cape Town.
In a separate incident, which occurred around 10:22, long-time Mbombela local, Ian Garden (69) died of a suspected heart attack, according to a statement released by the Cape Town Cycle Tour media office.
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Ian Garden.
Tim de Wet, a close friend of Garden, said it was truly a tragedy that such an incredible man passed away.
“Personally I did many kilometres next to him in the saddle. He was truly an exceptional man and well-loved person in the Lowveld,” he said, adding that Garden was also an avid runner.
In a memorial message to him and his legacy, his family stated that he had been competing in his 23rd Cycle Tour and was a keen cyclist and golfer.
“He moved to Nelspruit in 1971 and pursued a career in agriculture, earning the title as one of the country’s foremost citrus experts.”
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He will be sorely missed by his wife Alison and her sons Ryan and Murray.
“Ian, you were a better and brighter man than most, and thank you for your life and guidance,” the statement by his family read.
A memorial service for Garden will be held on Friday March 17 at 11:00 at Nelspruit Methodist Church.
