Lydenburg MTB Race and Trail Run

The fifth Lydenburg Heritage MTB race and trail run was again hosted successfully the past weekend.
The race, held annually at the Gustav Klingbiel Reserve, kicked off on Saturday morning under the theme “Putting the Mountain back into Mountain Biking”.

This years’ mountain biking distances consisted of 40 kilometres with 1 000-metre climb, a 17 kilometre, a 10 kilometre and a 10-kilometre trail run. For the first time ever, the event introduced a duathlon, which consisted of a 10-kilometre MTB race combined with a 10-kilometre trail run. Kids also had the opportunity to participate in a 2,5-kilometre MTB or trail run.

Market stalls, food and drink, live entertainment and kids activities such as horse rides, educational toys, face painting, jumping castles and a game station, which included gold panning, were available for those who would rather just enjoy the outing.

This year’s MTB challenge saw lots of challenges for the cyclists and runners with muddy trails, slopes, rivers and an increased distance.

According to Terra Events’ Charlene Coetzee, unemployed community members were incorporated to be marshals on the routes.

Hoërskool Lydenburg cyclist Bernice van Wyk took part in the race for the fourth time. She wanted to improve on her previous best in the 40-kilometre race, and overcame numerous obstacles before ultimately carrying her bike across the finish line.

“Everything went well for the first 10 kilometres. I managed to ride the long uphill section comfortably. With the descent, the sidewall of my back tyre was cut by the sharp edge of a rock. I then decided to run with my bike and completed the race.”

Cyclists told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that this year’s race was the most challenging yet.
Dana Coetzee claimed victory in the men’s 40-kilometre, finishing with a time of 1:58,54, followed by Jurgens Spaumer in second and Estohan Swanepoel in third.

Bernice van Wyk scooped first place in the women’s 40-kilometre with a time of 2:09,48. Sanet Coetzee crossed the finish line 20 minutes after Van Wyk, followed by Anleo Viljoen.

Niel Stubbe was the winner in the men’s 17-kilometre race while Johane Swanepoel claimed first place in the women’s category for the same distance.

Lydenburg High School won best school and Tombfu Tombstones won business award. Both won because of the most entries for each entity.

Netcare 911 emergency personnel were on standby for any possible injuries or emergencies that might occur. According to them, they attended to about 20 cyclists with minor injuries and abrasions from falls.

Coetzee thanked the sponsors that made the event possible. The main sponsors for the day included Glencore, Two Rivers Platinum, Northam Booysendal and Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine. ProVest sponsored the kiddies race.

She also thanked her team, Ernest Coetzee, Almari Jansen van Vuuren, Adri Louw, Stephane Celliers, Sindy Nagel, Sonette Booyens, Stephanie Reinecke, Maryn Oosthuizen and JP Celliers and all others who voluntarily took part in the day’s activities.