It was a tough weekend for local mountain bikers. The 2014 Spur High School League came to a close, and 10 riders received their Mpumalanga colours.

The team also won the spirit trophy for the third consecutive year. The event took place in Magaliesburg. The trophy comes with a R750 worth of Spur vouchers.

However, not one of the 15 participants could secure a podium position.

Chris Botha, member of the committee, and also known as “Uncle Chris” by the cyclists, said that everyone who competed did very well.

” Racing was hard and the course was very tough. We are very proud of the team and they gave it their all,” he added.

They competed against more than 60 schools. Over the two days the team competed in two different events, on Saturday they participated individually and Sunday the provincial teams participated against one another.

Cyclists depend on sponsors for funding. Botha says none of this would have been possible without their sponsors.

“We appreciate the support we receive from our main sponsor, Spur for an awesome series and final,” he explained.

“We also want to thank , Amarider for organising the series as well as Hanro Bam of Sibambene Mining supplies and Dave Clark for fixing the bike trailer.

Not forgetting our local Laramie Spur for allowing the team to shadow their waiters for extra pocket money, T-shirts and food for the participants.

Hoërskool Lydenburg provided transport to the cyclists during the series and their teachers – Ronel du Toit and Gerrit-Jan Dorfling – supported them throughout.

The team looks forward to next year and will be ready for the finals, “said Botha.