After the first 5 legs of this popular sprint series it looked a forgone conclusion as to who would be overall men's and woman's winners. Raynard Tissink, series men's champion in 1995 and '96. and Dominque Donner, SA Olympic Squad member, had completely dominated every race in their respective categories. With an athlete's best four results counting and the final at Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria being compulsory, the fight for runner-up spot seemed the only point of interest.

In the men's section, there had been 5 different second place finishers with the other minor places behind Tissink changing at every race. The woman's event was similar but it looked like Rowena Curr and Kim Carter would be sorting out second and third betweeen them. That was the situation race 5 in Germiston and although the woman's series continued in the same vein, the men's took an exciting turn in the next two legs.

Gordon's Bay was the next stop and the hilly cycle route proved to be a significant factor as Natal's Claude Eksteen comfortably stayed with Tissink, who was not able to use his big gears to their maximum effect. Anyone who knows Eksteen's background will know that after years of provincial cross-country and track athletics, he possesses an awesome kick. This proved decisive as, with a few hundred metres to go, he left the series leader to claim victory. After a second place in Bloemfontein and still three events remaining, there was still a chance that Tissink could be toppled.

At the time of going to print, Donner had won 7 out of 7 races and ut was highly unlikely she would be challenged for the series title. HAving been in the Olympic squad she has plenty of international experience and it showed against a relatively young, yet spirited contingent of challengers.

Once again, the series has proved to be extremely exciting, right down to the final event. Factor in the total entries which far exceeded previous years at every event and the sponsors and organisers can be satisfied with a job well done.