George doctor wins in Abu Dhabi

Video

GEORGE NEWS - Dr Jacques van Staden claimed victory in the 45-49 age category and was awarded as the overall road race winner at the International Open Masters Championships in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 14 February, winning by just two seconds.

This George-based general practitioner, who has a special interest in diabetes care, is no stranger to high-pressure finishes. He was named George Herald's first citizen of the year in 2016.

An avid cyclist, Van Staden described the 11km road race, completed over seven laps, as an exhilarating sprint to the line.

The group reached 58km/h in the final kilometre and 64km/h approaching the finish. The win marked a significant comeback.

At the SA Championships in Johannesburg last year, contact during the sprint finish caused a tyre to be clipped, resulting in a heavy fall at 60km/h. After recovering, Van Staden resumed training under coach Matthys Beukes and went on to win the mixed team age category with Roxanne Kemp at the Cape Pioneer Trek in October 2025.

Following three gruelling months of preparation, including more than 22 hours a week in the saddle in December alone, he was ready for the international stage.

"It was the culmination of years of training realised in a single moment," he said.

Although the victory felt surreal, he said the podium ceremony and returning home with his gold medal made it real.

WATCH: Watch the video to see the sprint finish. Video: Supplied

In 2009, Van Staden founded Cycle for Diabetes (C4D), a non-profit organisation that uses cycling to restore hope and purpose to people living with diabetes, while also creating opportunities for junior and underprivileged cyclists in the Southern Cape.

This year's Valentine's Day proved one to remember.

Dr Jacques van Staden with his gold medal on the podium in Abu Dhabi. Van Staden said he felt overwhelmed by grace and is immensely grateful for this win.