A last minute decision saw Reid enter the Ilovo Eston MTB Challenge in KZN. The previous winner of the half marathon managed to back up his winning XC performance in Stellenbosch with the win. Reid secured the victory in the final meters, much like the recent National XC Championship in the Western Cape.
“I really enjoy racing in KwaZulu Natal – I grew up not too far from Eston Country Club and when I was younger this was one of the big classic races to win. I managed to win the 40km when I was a junior rider, and to come back and race the 60km and come out on top was a cool trip down memory lane. With such a fast flat course – our average was nearly 30kmh! – I knew that it was likely to come down to a sprint finish. You can’t really plan these kind of finishes, you have to react and make the right move when it counts. I got onto the field first, and like at SA Cross Country Championships two weeks ago, just kept going until the line. It’s great racing against such a stacked field – Rourke Croeser and Alan Hatherly are riding really fast at the moment and I chose to come up to KZN because this kind of competition really lifts everybody’s game. Up next is a big training block before the final few international cross country races” – James Reid.
Photo by Anthony Grote | Gameplan Media
Reid now turns his attention to the XC World Cups in Europe for the second part of the season.
Ariane Kleinhans secured victory in Die Burger MTB Challenge in Stellenbosch.
A late decision by race organisers to sanction the event meant that Pro riders could enter without facing a ban and a penalty. The news arrived late on Friday afternoon and Kleinhans jumped at the opportunity to race in her ‘home town’ of Stellenbosch.
The 75km, invite only, route passes through more than 40 wine farms, giving riders the opportunity to tackle some of the best and most beautiful trails in the country.
Photo by: Chris Hitchcock
“ I was very pleased when they decided to sanction the race, making it possible for uci licensed riders to take part. It was perfect, I got out of bed and rode to the start line. The route was beautiful and it was nice to see so many people out and enjoying riding their bikes. The trails were amazing and it was a lot of fun to race on our local trails. I went out in the front and manage to keep my lead till the end. Thank you very much to the organisers and my support staff at the race’ – Ariane Kleinhans.
Ariane’s focus now shifts to the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series #6 Rooiberg before heading back to Europe for the second part of her European campaign.
