TZANEEN – The 2025 Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge once again delivered a thrilling day of cycling and fierce competition.

Organised by the Tzaneen Cycling Club, the event took place at Westfalia on Saturday, June 21, drawing enthusiastic cyclists from across the region.

Herman Fourie claimed the overall win in the 70km men’s race, finishing in a time of 02:38:42.4.

The race was closely contested, with 2023’s overall winner, Alan Gordon, finishing just behind him in 02:39:26.4.

Although Gordon missed out on the overall title this year, he was the top finisher in the 30 to 39 age category.

In the 40 to 49 division, Hans Lombard took the top spot with a finishing time of 03:29:03.0. Gordon commented that despite the race’s difficulty, owing to the mountainous terrain, the event was well organised and enjoyable.

On the women’s side, Lané du Plessis emerged as the overall winner in the 70km race with a time of 03:47:11.2. Chantal Weyers led the 30 to 39 age group, finishing in 03:48:57.6, while Shirley Scriven won the 50 to 59 category, completing the course in 04:34:32.7. Scriven said the race was beautiful but tough, especially since it was her first event of the year.

In the 50km women’s race, Anke Rood was the fastest in the 19 to 29 age group, completing her ride in 02:40:07.2. The younger categories also saw some impressive performances. Rion Opperman came out on top in the 15km boys’ race, while Leah Haarhoff led the girls’ 15km category. Daniel Dreyer took first place in the 35km boys’ race, and Kristen Thompson led the girls’ division in the same distance. In the 35km E-bike race for the 50 to 59 age group, Karen Kriel finished first.

The next Limpopo race is scheduled to take place in Tshipise on July 26, followed by the Mooketsi MTB Challenge on August 2.

Event photography was provided by Wendy Strydom of Crown Moments Photography, with field support from Herman Strydom.