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Rebello and Neethling Victorious On Stage 1 of the RECM Knysna 200

Written by FS Online Ed on

Momsen Bike’s Dyland Rebello and Team Dorma’s Candice Neethling raced to stage victory on Friday, 17 June 2016, in the first stage of the RECM Knysna 200. The 71km stage which started in the Knysna Elephant Park and finished on Thesen Island in the heart of Knysna is the first of three stages and sets Rebello up to potentially complete a double having already claimed victory in the Garden Route 300 in February.

The RECM Knysna 200 is renowned for its social atmosphere and while most of the field were revelling in the relaxed 09:00 start time and chilled vibes at the sharp end of the field it was business as usual. Defending champion Nico Pfitzenmaier was in a chirpy mood as he, and Rebello, led the 200 rider strong field through the neutral zone in the Knysna Elephant Park. After the leisurely ride through the neutral zone, where riders were treated to the sight of a herd of elephants within 50 meters of the route, the racing began at the first climb of the day. Rebello and Pfitzenmaier set the early pace, with Shan Wilson the only other rider able to stay with them.

Dylan Rebello closing in on stage victory at the RECM Knysna 200. Photo by Bike Centre Knysna.
Dylan Rebello closing in on stage victory at the RECM Knysna 200.
Photo by Bike Centre Knysna.

 

By the first water point at the 15km mark the leading trio had built up a lead of just over two minutes, but in the next phase of the race the famous Petrus-se-Brand trail split up the race. Riding the Petrus-se-Brand trail in reverse Shan Wilson was the first of the leading three to drop off the pace. A rear wheel puncture then separated Pfitzenmaier from Rebello, but the defending champion was able to reel in the young challenger on the ensuing downhill. At the foot of the next climb Rebello made the stage winning move, breaking away from Pfitzenmaier and racing to a superb solo victory. Pfitzenmaier lost further time when he stopped for over a minute at the second water point as he ensured his puncture was properly sealed and his tyre had enough air in it to get him safely to the stage finish.

Rebello completed his stage victory in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 6 seconds, with Pfitzenmaier finishing over ten minutes back in second; in a time of 3 hours three minutes and 23 seconds. Wilson claimed the final podium position for the stage in a time of 3 hours, 5 minutes and 43 seconds.

The solo men’s podium, from right to left: Shan Wilson, Dylan Rebello and Nico Pfitzenmaier. Photo by: Bike Centre Knysna.
The solo men’s podium, from right to left: Shan Wilson, Dylan Rebello and Nico Pfitzenmaier.
Photo by: Bike Centre Knysna.

 

In the women’s race Candice Neethling rode to a largely uncontested stage victory, but despite not facing a fierce challenge from any of the female riders Neethling didn’t take it easy. She crossed the line in sixth overall in an impressive time of 3 hours 13 minutes and 53 seconds. Rounding out the ladies podium were Carmen Buchacher (03:19:01) and Nina Hind (03:40:33), with the recent Tour d’Afrique champion Katja Steenkamp finishing just two minutes behind Hind.

Pfitzenmaier will surely look to put the disappointing result of Stage 1 behind him and challenge Rebello for stage victory on the 70km second stage tomorrow. While in the ladies race Neethling and Buchacher appear too strong to be challenged but the race between Hind and Steenkamp for third could be closely contested throughout the event.

The second stage of the RECM Knysna 200 gets underway from Quinta da Montanha at 09:00 and you can follow the action on Twitter (@recmknysna200), Periscope and via live tracking on the MySOS application’s website: www.mysos.co.za.

Hannele Steyn enjoying the Garden Route Trails. Photo by: Julie Anne Hoffman.
Hannele Steyn enjoying the Garden Route Trails.
Photo by: Julie Anne Hoffman.

RECM Knysna 200 Selected Results | Stage 1

Solo Men:

  1. Dylan Rebello (02:52:06)
  2. Nico Pfitzenmaier (03:03:23)
  3. Shan Wilson (03:05:43)

Solo Women

  1. Candice Neethling (03:13:53)
  2. Carmen Buchacher (03:19:01)
  3. Nina Hind (03:40:33)

For the full list of preliminary results from stage 1 the RECM Knysna 200 click here.

  

It was a good day on the trails of the Garden Route for the Dorma Team with Candice Neethling winning the stage and Nico Pfitzenmaier placing second, in their respective categories. Photo by: Bike Centre Knysna.
It was a good day on the trails of the Garden Route for the Dorma Team with Candice Neethling winning the stage and Nico Pfitzenmaier placing second, in their respective categories.
Photo by: Bike Centre Knysna.

 

RECM Knysna 200

Dates: 17 – 19 June 2016

  Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Start: Knysna Elephant Park Quinta da Montanha Harkerville
Start Time: 09:00 09:00 08:30
Distance: 71km 70km 57km
Climbing: 1 250m 1 350m 890m
Finish: Tapas Bistro Tapas Bistro Tapas Bistro

Race Village: Tapas Bistro, Thesen Island Harbour Town

Website: www.recmknysna200.co.za

Facebook: Garden Route Events

Twitter: @recmknysna200

Instagram: gardenrouteevents | #RECMknysna200

Carla Du Toit caught mid-explanation about a mud puddle mishap which had her and her fellow RECM riders allegedly swimming during Stage 1. Photo by: Julie Anne Hoffman.
Carla Du Toit caught mid-explanation about a mud puddle mishap which had her and her fellow RECM riders allegedly swimming during Stage 1.
Photo by: Julie Anne Hoffman.

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