Knox bags another win
The three stages are, as usual, intended to challenge riders' fitness, strength, and technical ability in and around the legendary mountain trails on the very scenic Komatiland Forests Ecotourism assets around Sabie and so it did.
The Sabie Experience has found a new slot to avoid the December heat, the torrential rains, mud and slush. This means riders flying through pine tree plantation single tracks will still be recognised by family and friends at the finish line.
The three stages are, as usual, intended to challenge riders’ fitness, strength, and technical ability in and around the legendary mountain trails on the very scenic Komatiland Forests Ecotourism assets around Sabie and so it did. It is, however, very “manageable” for average mountain bikers tackling their first multi-day stage race. Intermediate and junior riders tackled the team lite option, while the advanced and pro riders enjoyed the steep climbs and technicalities of the longer solo challenge for the money.
The team lite option is designed for riders with intermediate riding/racing ability over manageable half-marathon distances and climbs. You can ride with a partner and gain experience in stage racing. Although the distances are relatively short, they are never easy in Sabie. An area blessed with stunning views, amazing indigenous vegetation and wildlife.
The routes start at 1 000 metres and reach a maximum of 1 650 metres above sea level. The solo challenge option is designed to test even the most experienced riders to compete against one another over steep topography, rough terrain, and technically difficult single tracks for a spot on the podium. These routes will take riders from 1 000 to 2 200 metres above sea level with some brutal climbs up to Serengeti-type open grasslands on Hartebeesvlakte, where vast herds of wild animals and the odd leopard abound.
The normally sleepy and peaceful town of Sabie is renowned for beautiful high waterfalls, mountains and easy access to nearby famous tourist attractions. This makes it the ideal destination for a mountain bike stage race for the whole family. Those who are not as crazy about cycling kept themselves busy doing other exciting stuff during the day, but was back in time for the prize-giving and a braai later in the day.
Here are the overall winners in the team lite division:
Ladies
Team T & T – Jeanette Treherne and Vivienne Turvey – total time of 08:24:46.
Men
Cycling Specific – Edward O’Neil and Kyle Wood – total time of 06:29:27.
Mixed teams
Bells LGE Midas – Dalene van der Leek and Igna de Villiers – total time of 07:09:02
Solo results:
1. Max Knox with a total time of 08:06:20
2. Alan Gordon – 08:20:10
3. Ben-Melt Swanepoel – 08:22:50
