Flat track means great times for MTB cyclists
Many riders crossed the finish line of the Selati Big 5 MTB Race on Saturday morning splattered with mud and with big smiles on their faces.
The Big 5 MTB race in Komatipoort was well supported on Saturday morning, despite the move to an earlier date. According to organiser Avril Pretorius, around 340 cyclists competed.
READ: Hundreds compete in scenic Big 5 MTB race
The race’s popular flat track once again proved great fun for cyclists. Because it does not feature technical obstacles, it is suitable for both social and professional riders of all ages.
Many regular Selati Big 5 competitors travelled long distances to compete and they had a great time on the track. Some participants arrived at the finish line considerably dirtier than they departed, due to patches of mud on the farms the route wound through.
PHOTOS: MTB riders speed across the flat track of the Selati Big 5 race
The track’s layout gave competitors the opportunity to set up a faster time compared to other more technical races, while it proved an easier challenge for young or social cyclists.
Unlike a few other local races, the Selati Big 5 MTB Race is not yet part of an MTB marathon series. The organisers hope to have it included next year, to give racers the opportunity to compete on a different type of track.
The organisers would like to thank main sponsors, RCL Foods and Securicon Lowveld, for their contributions. Securicon ensured that racers were escorted through town safely and stayed safe throughout the race, as well as provided medical assistance. Luckily no injuries were reported.
Pretorius said they were satisfied with the number of entrants for the race and plan to implement new ideas to make the race even bigger and more fun next year.
Results
60 kilometres
• First: Heine Engelbrecht – 2:00:07
• Second: Igna de Villiers – 2:00:08
• Third: Burger Bester – 2:00:21
• Ladies winner: Julia Westoby – 2:11:47
45 kilometres
• First: Rikus Booyens – 1:36:01
• Second: Riaan Smit – 1:40:11
• Third: Ivan Lourenco – 1:41:59
• Ladies winner: Monique Swart – 1:56:48
20 kilometres
• First: Gert Peens – 48:03
• Second: Johan Erasmus – 55:56
• Third: Lohan Pelser – 56:27
• Ladies winner: Adri Kruger – 58:38
10 kilometres
• First: Eduard de La Rey – 25:02
• Second: Deon Janse van Rensburg – 25:45
• Third: Hannes Opperman – 25:47
• Ladies winner: Liezel Hanekom – 29:40.
