MTB cyclists enjoy scenic race in Komatipoort

The Big 5 MTB race proved very popular and successful after hundreds of cyclists competed in the scenic race.  Because of the growth and popularity of the event, it was not held on the showgrounds as part of the Komatipoort Prawn Festival, but at the host school’s premises.

The race, which consisted of 10-, 25-, 45- and 60-kilometre routes, snaked through the town, orange groves, sugar-cane fields and the border of the Kruger National Park. Cyclists had the opportunity to see a huge herd of buffaloes at the river, as well as hippos, bucks, elephants, and even even a pride of lions.

Preschoolers and parents went on a one-kilometre fun ride before the main race started, with the only requirement that they start on or in something with wheels.

The 10-kilometre event proved popular among novices, youngsters and families. Jooste Coetzee was the first boy over the finish line in 22:44 and Kyla Benade the first girl in 29:23.

Nathan Kurensky won the 25 kilometres in 50:46, beating last year’s winning time with two minutes. The first female was junior Jessica Schulz with 01:01:11. Pieter Benade won the 45-kilometre race in 01:37:03 and Zandri Strydom in 01:50:28.

Participants of the 60-kilometre route kicked up a lot of dust to break last year’s record and spectators watched with mounting excitement as seven riders sprinted down the last few metres to the finish line.

Milliseconds split their times, but Dirk Lourens was fastest with 01:50:55, 10 milliseconds ahead of Burger Bester. Kristen Gillespie was the ladies winner with 02:05:02.

After the race, participants could cross the road to relax and celebrate their victories at the prawn festival.

Komatipoort Akademie would like to thank all its sponsors, especially the main sponsor RCL Foods and Selati, volunteers, land owners, those at the water points, organisers and participants. “Without all this support the race could not have been such a great success. We look forward to exceeding expectations next year and hosting an even better race.”

For more information on the event, visit the Big 5 Race’s Facebook page or click here for more photos.

Results

60-kilometre senior ladies

• Kristen Gillespie – 02:05:02

• Estelle Gous – 02:05:50

• Helene Coetzer – 02:18:15

60-kilometre senior men

• Dirk Lourens – 01:55:51

• Christo Carelsen – 01:55:51,20

• James Goosen – 01:55:51

45-kilometre senior men

• Pieter Benade – 01:37:03

• JP Moller – 01:40:18

• Jan Greyling – 01:40:36

45-kilometre junior ladies

• Zandri Strydom – 01:50:28

• Monique Swart – 01:57:23

• Ankie Vaughan – 02:17:57

25-kilometre senior men

• Riaan le Roux – 55:02

• Egbert de Bruyn – 57:21

• Johnrie Cloete – 58:54

25-kilometre junior ladies

• Jessica Schulz – 01:01:11

• Shannon Rutherford – 01:13:44

• Annika Prinsloo – 01:14:22

25-kilometre senior ladies

• Linde de Bruyn – 01:02:32

• Neliza van Niekerk – 01:03:07

• Adri Kruger – 01:04:30.