Bad weather doesn’t stop The Sharks Trail
Adventure enthusiasts refused to let bad weather get the better of them at the Stihl Sharks Adventure.
SUNDAY’S seemingly rainy conditions did not dampen spirits or terrain in the Stihl Sharks Adventure at Summerveld Estate, Shongweni .A record field of trail runners and cyclists arrived, eager to enjoy the last trail adventure before the holiday season kicks in.The testing muddy conditions proved to be difficult for some competitors, Alan Hatherly, who recorded a maiden MTB triumph was required to dig deep after falling behind early on.
“It was a cross country style 40km course and with it being December and us all being in our base training phase, we just had no leg speed at all, myself especially as I took a break a week earlier than others in preparation for Rio,” Hatherly explained.
Hatherly added that he and team mate Brendon Davids attempted to work together to fend off competitors as well as defending champion Andrew Hill, however the tough conditions and muddy surfaces proved the challenge to be increasingly difficult.
“Brendon (Davids) and I put in a bit of an attack after the first 10km but we couldn’t really extend the gap on Andrew (Hill) and then, with about 10km to go, there was a very steep hill that we couldn’t get up because it was so sloshy so we ran up and that allowed him to close in on us,” said Hatherly.
“Andrew then got past Brendon and I knew he was catching me too so I backed off. “Once he caught me the two of us rode together until the last climb up the dual track to the finish where I attacked with about 2km to go.”
Hill finished in second place, which meant that this is the first time in the event’s four year history that Hill would not stand atop the podium in first place. Hill was gracious in defeat, revealing his enjoyment for the race despite coming in second. “I don’t mind handing over the reins to an up-and-coming youngster who is such a talented rider and definitely South Africa’s next big name in mountain biking,” said Hill.
Kargo Pro MTB showed their dominance in the day’s MTB events with Davids, Siyabonga Njiva and Andrew Warr following Hatherly home in third, fifth and sixth respectively while the team’s newly signed ladies – Smith and Frankie du Toit finished first and second in the ladies race.The day was also filled with youngsters who participated in the Sharkie Kids Ride, while members of the current Cell C Sharks squad were on hand the whole day at the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Marketan provided one of the day's highlights.
