Local team strut their stuff on two challenging courses

Last weekend was a big day in national mountain biking with both a National XCO race held in Mankele and the fifth leg of the National Marathon Series which took place in Rooiberg, north of Pretoria.

May 30, 2014

1 minute read

Despite the clash of dates, Team Valencia were well represented in both events. In the Elite XCO race, Samantha Sanders was in her element.

The course at Mankele suits her as it is highly technical; fast and fun if you have guts and skill.

The South African champion showed her pedigree when she pulled a 50sec gap on her competition in the first lap alone, extending it to eight minutes after the four-lap race.
“Mankele is a course that demands a lot from the legs and upper body, something I feel suits my riding well. The guys at Mankele always put together a well organised event. Cycling South Africa has been rewarding us handsomely with decent prize money.

Definitely an incentive to work hard!”

Ryan Terry, one of Valencia’s youngest up-and-coming road cyclists, showed his diversity when he competed on the other end of the cycling spectrum coming second in a competitive sub-junior category.

“The course was tough with a lot of technical sections that I managed to navigate successfully. I am happy with my second place.”

In the MTN National Marathon in Rooiberg, Amy Beth McDougall lined up next to some of the best marathon racers in the country.

She finished in a solid fourth overall and second in the senior ladies category.

“The race was hot, rocky and very physical, both on the uphills and downhills. It was not my best race but I loved the challengingsingle track and finished strong despite a horrible start.”

Mandie Swart had an excellent race in the half marathon. She came second overall and won the junior ladies age category.

“I’m really glad to have taken second overall and first junior. It was really challenging but I loved the technical stuff!” Mandie’s younger sister Monique Swart raced in the 20km, coming fifth overall and fourth in the sub-junior category.

Next up for Team Valencia is the Uplands Festival this weekend on home ground. It is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for everyone in the Lowveld.