Valencia’s McDougall is still a rider to reckon with
The battle for mountain-biking supremacy continued in the fourth round of the 2017 Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in the Central Drakensberg this weekend.
Valencia’s Amy Beth McDougall made it two wins from two races, to take the overall title in 5:33:50 ahead of Sarah Hill (6:17:37) and Hayley Smith (6:25:55). “It’s been my goal for all five years of my career to win a National XCM, and finally it happened.
“The course at Champagne Valley is the most challenging yet and suited me to a tee – all up and down and tons of engaging technical riding. It’s my new favourite National MTB series and judging by the feedback, a favourite all round,” said McDougall.
The overall victory among the men went to Brendon Davids in 4:39:39, followed by Philip Buys (4:44:17) and Matthys Beukes (4:48:13).
Former men’s marathon series leader Max Knox (New Holland/This Way Out), who comes fresh off securing two dominant wins at the Sappi Karkloof Classic and the Vodacom Hippo Hollow Challenge, was among the most favoured riders to take the spoils.
He, however, had to pull out after day one due to mechanical problems. Though it influences the current standings, it will not affect the overall standings at the end of the series, as riders will need to complete eight single-day stages out of a possible 12.
Also read: Nico Bell reigns supreme at SAs
Newly crowned local South African champion, Nico Bell (Team NAD Pro) was awarded fifth place (4:57:33) followed by Gawie Combrinck (5:02:48).
The event will once again followed the new two-day racing format.
For the marathon, that meant that day one was a 70-kilometre race with 1 585 metres of ascent and day two a 51-kilometre leg with 1 102 metres of climbing.
