Harsh terrain challenges riders in search of glory
The Lowveld Quest Mountain-Bike stage race was held from April 9 to 12, starting at Lydenburg and finishing at Induna Adventures, Hazyview.
The first stage, with 150 teams participating, started in a chilly Lydenburg where they headed south for 83km to Mankele.
Riders had to navigate high plains and long climbs up the back of the escarpment. A technical single track out of Magoba Laan Nature Reserve was the first challenge in this never-before-ridden mountain-biking territory.
Stage two, 70km from Mankele to Sabie, started in drizzle. After the mountains the riders emerged from Misty Valley and started on the new forest single track into Merry Pebbles.
The second-last 63km stage from Sabie to Graskop was made more difficult due to the rain and muddy tracks.
Nadia Bell, wife of Nico Bell and team manager of Vanessa Bell, Daleen van der Leek and JP Jung, warned riders about the slippery road at the top of her voice, while cheering her husband and teams on.
The final stage, 55km from Graskop to Induna, finished on the river banks of Induna Adventures.
The overall winners were Gawie Combrink and Ben Melt Swanepoel. Nico and JP came second overall.
Overall women’s winners were Vanessa and Daleen with Amy McDougal and Emily Clark in second. The winners were awarded with cash prizes.
