Day 1: Sahm Claims Pennypinchers Origin of Trails Stage One Victory
The streets of Stellenbosch came alive with excitement on Friday, 28 November 2014 when just under 1200 eager mountain bikers toed the line to be part of the action at the 2014 Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails 2-Day Mountain Bike (MTB) Stage Race.
Starting at the Hofmeyer Hall in Stellenbosch, Stage One saw riders having to complete a tough 65km route or a slightly less challenging 40km route before crossing the finish line at the Markotter Sports Field at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
Swiss mountain biking star Stefan Sahm claimed the 65km Stage One victory in a lightning fast time of 02 hours 51 minutes 32 seconds. “Today was amazing, a blast from start to finish,” said a very happy Sahm. “Stage One was proper racing with proper single track. This is why I mountain bike. I know the Jonkershoek trails. It was so much fun racing it flat out, riding it to the limits. This was definitely the coolest and most enjoyable route that I’ve ever ridden”. Simon Stiebjahn came in second, while Matthew Beers finished third.
Tanya Weaver was the first female rider home in the medium route completing the 65km stage in a time of 03 hours 50 minutes 28 seconds. Kerry Gray came in second.
Matthew Lombardi was the first short route rider to cross the finish line. “The Stage One route was awesome. It featured a lot of diversity with Jonkershoek never disappointing. All in all good racing,” said Lombardi. Lombardi’s finishing time was 01 hour 54 minutes 38 seconds. Manie Lubbe came in second, while Michael Lord finished third.
Allison Morton was the female rider to beat in the short route crossing the finish line in 02 hours 34 minutes 59 seconds. “Today was good, but tough,” said Morton. “I’ve always wanted to do a stage race. Stage One was amazing. I’ll definitely do it again”. Jackie de Villiers came in second, while Amy Williams finished third.
Diana Carolin set the route ablaze in the women’s 65km race claiming victory in a well-deserved time of 03 hours 43 minutes 19 seconds. Leanne Brown-Waterson came in second, while Louis Ferreira finished third.
Thembisile Shaun Mtintisilana claimed gold in the medium route / 65km stage in an impressive time of 03 hours 35 minutes 22 seconds. Francois Roux came in second, while Richard de Villiers finished third.
Combining a vast network of world class trails with beauty and exclusivity, the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails grants riders the unique opportunity to experience a spectacular combination of single-track that have been previously unknown to the MTB community. The goal behind the Pennypinchers Origin of Trails is to offer participants an unbelievable cycling experience, while raising funds to further trail building in Stellenbosch.
Day 2: Sahm Crowned Pennypinchers Origin of Trails Champion
Swiss mountain biking star Stefan Sahm continued his winning streak at the Pennypinchers Origin Of Trails 2-Day Mountain Bike (MTB) Stage Race on Saturday, 29 November 2014 claiming the Stage Two victory in an impressive time of 03 hours 10 minutes 17 seconds, securing the overall champion title in an awe-inspiring combined time of 06 hours 01 minutes 48 seconds.
Once again starting at the Hofmeyer Hall in Stellenbosch, Stage Two saw riders having to complete a tough 68km route or a slightly less challenging 40km route before crossing the finish line at the Markotter Sports Field at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
According to Sahm, the 68km Stage Two route was one of two phases. “The first phase saw me smiling, while the second phase saw me grimacing. The route was really rough on some places. I am going to hear it from my wife tonight, as she also rode today. The Pennypinchers Origin of Trails is a great event. It features awesome single track and takes place in one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. It’s been two days of awesome mountain biking,” said Sahm. Simon Stiebjahn came in second, while Matthew Beers finished third.
Diana Carolin claimed victory in the women’s long route completing the two stages in a well-deserved combined time of 07 hours 50 minutes. Louise Ferreira came in second, while Katie Viljoen finished third.
Defending short route champion Manie Lubbe claimed his first stage victory and overall event victory completing the 2-Day Stage Race in a combined time of 03 hours 49 minutes 19 seconds. “The Pennypinchers Origin of Trails is a great event,” said Lubbe. “The trails are awesome and there is an amazing vibe amongst all the people. I am really happy to claim my second consecutive win”. Matthew Lombardi came in second, while Michel Lord finished third.
Allison Morton secured her second consecutive stage victory of the weekend, claiming the overall short route title in an impressive combined time of 05 hours 40 seconds. “It was really nice riding with my dad today,” said Morton. “I loved the single track. The vibe at the Pennypinchers Origin of Trails is great, while the people are really helpful. I will definitely be back next year”. Amy Williams came in second, while Famke Allen finished third.
Francois Roux set the route ablaze in the men’s category of the medium route completing the two stages in a well-deserved combined time of 05 hours 49 minutes 43 seconds. Joel Schaeffer came in second, while Richard de Villiers finished third.
Kerry Gray was the rider to beat in the men’s medium route completing the two stages in an impressive combined time of 06 hours 44 minutes 49 seconds. Robyn Williams came in second, while Kate Munnik finished third.
Sus the Social Media Side of Origins
Follow the race on Twitter: @OriginOfTrails
Like the Facebook page: Stillwater MTB Events
Website: www.stillwatersports.com
