Perfect weather, challenging routes, eager volunteers & a breathtaking venue greeted more than 500 entrants who took part in the MY SPAR MTB CLASSIC & FUN FARM RUN held on Sunday 3rd May.
Since it’s inception 5 years agao, this CSA sanctioned event has seen it’s numbers explode, entrenching it firmly on the Eastern Cape’s most popular MTB event list. Held on Jacques Steenkamp’s farm Zuurbron, the event’s success is a result of dedicated teamwork between a few local cyclists and the generous support received from local businesses.
The 60km race saw the Eastern Cape’s top riders vying on a very tough, challenging course. Conrad Viljoen & NMMU teammate Francois Geldenhuys went hard on the flat open sections opening the gap from the rest of the pack. It was then Marco Joubert and Conrad Viljoen to dominate on the hills. Both missing a turn, they had to play catch up to the leading pack of 6 riders headed by Francois Geldenhuys and Andre Nelson. A long hard chase followed with Marco and Conrad hammering hard to catch up to the pack and finally take podium (Conrad Viljoen) & 3rd Place (Marco Joubert ).
Defending champion Jason Meaton, who was leading the race until an unlucky fall, placed 5th in a time of 2.28.33
Final Result – Men’s 60km
Conrad Viljoen (30) 2.16.44
Francois Geldenhuys (32) 2.18.23
Marco Joubert (17) 2.20.21
In the ladies 60km – Veteran cyclist Sanmari Woithe had little competition to win comfortably in a time of 2.49.39. 2nd was Salome Loots (3.34.42) and 3rd Karin Strydom (3.44.56).
The 40km Race saw defending champion Hanri Terblance defend his title in a time of 1.42.09. Christopher O’Linsky placed 2nd (1.50.35) and Anton van Schoor 3rd (1.54.58).
The ladies 40km results are Candice Bonzaier (2.10.14),2nd– Phillipa Baer (2.13.21) and 3rd– Megan Gill (2.14.11).
The 10km MTB and new 10km Fun Farm Run were well supported by all age groups. These fun events saw families enjoying the beautiful outdoors together and working up quite a sweat at the same time. Jumping castles, food stalls and fantastic lucky draw prizes ensured that the MY SPAR MTB CLASSIC was a day not to be missed.
The organisers and JP Venter (owner of My Spar Jeffreys Bay and title sponsor of the MTB CLASSIC ) would like to thank all participants for their support and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2016!!!
