Forest2Falls MTB returns to Graskop

The iconic My SPAR Forest 2 Falls MTB race returned to its original venue last weekend when it was held in Graskop for the first time in seven years.

On Saturday riders embarked on the race’s traditional routes, where the trails and views are second to none, from Graskop Holiday Resort. Now revamped, it offers the infrastructure for the town to host the riders and their supporters once more.

In 2015 the race was also incorporated with the Sabie Xperience, but this year heralded a return to tradition. Yet, it was also a changing of the guard with Max Knox taking over from Chris van der Bergh as race director after 18 years.

Race day started out cold, but conditions soon turned sunny. The 70-kilometre riders, the hardy and the hotshots, set off first on two loops featuring forest roads, jeep tracks and some single tracks in the scenic Blyde area.

Veteran Ben-Melt Swanepoel (40) finished first in 2:26,38. Senior rider Heine Engelbrecht (24) took overall second place in a time of 2:29,24. Ten minutes later Igna de Villiers (44) crossed the finish line to claim third position in 2:38,33.

They were followed by Patrice Gautier (47) who finished in 2:44,10, followed by Gert Janse van Rensburg (26) hot on his heels in 2:44,12 and André Potgieter (40) a hair’s breadth behind in 2:44,14.

The first woman to finish, senior rider Amy Beth McDougall (27), claimed overall fifth place in a time of 2:48,11. Subveteran category winner Werner Bosman (30) finished in 2:49,03, followed by Burger Bester (40) shortly after with 2:49,30. Woman subveteran Yolandi du Toit (31) rounded off the top-10 finishers in 2:51,10.

In the 35-kilometre race, aimed at riders seeking to challenge as well as enjoy themselves, youthful Jeandré Gautier (16) came in at 1:13,44, snatching victory from under the nose of junior Andreas Kuhn (18), who clocked 1:13,46.

They were followed closely by Liam de Klerk (18) in 1:13,49 and Armand Lombard (17) in 1:13,56. Ryan Terry (16) finished in 1:15,44 and Emile Fourie (16) rounded off the top-six finishers with a time of 1:15,48.

Youth rider Zandri Strydom’s finishing time of 1:29,51 earned her the title of fastest female finisher on the day.

The 15-kilometre fun ride, aimed at young riders (and future champions), was won by Nathan Kurensky (15) in a time of 34:43. Sprog Jooste Coetzee (12) claimed overall second in 38:24, followed by Tiaan van Pletzen (15) in 44:19. Sprog Jessica Svacha (12) was the first female to finish in a time of 51:48.

As always the proceeds were donated to the Shalom Christian School. Riders got more than their money’s worth in the generous goody bags sponsored by SPAR. Valencia Cycles was also a main sponsor in making the day possible.

• See more pictures: In action: The My SPAR Forest 2 Falls MTB in Graskop

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