LIMPOPO – Hoedspruit resident Samantha Sanders and her teammate Sarah Hill were crowned overall women’s winners of the 21st edition of the KAP Sani2c over the weekend.

Considered one of South Africa’s most challenging mountain bike races, the event begins on a small sheep farm near Sani Pass in the southern Drakensberg. Riders then cross the mist-filled KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, passing scenic dairy and timber farms, through indigenous forests, and descending into the Umkomaas Valley.

The route continues through a nature reserve and sugar cane fields before finally reaching the shores of the Indian Ocean.

“It was a 4-day event. We started with a short prologue on Thursday, where we placed second. Day 1 was an 87km stage, and we were again second. Day 2 was the queen stage of 97km, and we managed to win and also move into the leader’s jersey. Day 3 and the final stage is a fast 83km, and we again managed to get away and win the stage and the overall race,” she said.

Sanders thanked her supporters who played a role in her performance.

“Thank you to Farmer Glen for all the heart you pour into this event, it is palpable. Secondly, thank you to all the women who lined up to race. Keep pushing, keep showing up and being incredible. My teammate Sarah Hill, thanks for pushing for the win with me,” she said.

“My favourite duo, Theresa Ralph and Udo Juterbock, you guys are the best. So much happens seamlessly behind the scenes. Last but not least, thank you to the people around me who believe in me, support me and help me be the best version of myself as a person and an athlete. I am beyond grateful to have the support of such awesome brands and people,” she added.