The inaugural Dust Buster mountain bike race took place on Sunday at Mbombela Stadium.

The anticipated dust gave way to puddles of mud due to persistent rain that arrived shortly before the start. This did not stop a field of over 200 riders braving the winter rain to have an absolute blast in the first race of this new, local mountain bike series.

With categories and distances for all ages of riders and points towards the overall series league table, it was full speed from the start.

Race organisers and title sponsor 2D Adventures were privileged to have the Lowveld Motor Group and their VW brand as a sponsor, as well as the partnership with Halls Farms and access to their land to lay out the exciting courses.

Being an iconic Lowveld landmark, Mbombela Stadium played a welcome part as the race venue and this new series looks set to become a must-do on the local cycling calendar.

As the riders finished, the rain cleared, and along with their family and friends, they took advantage of the food stalls on offer, while exchanging race war stories and enjoying the prize-giving.

In the 55-kilometre race, Luan Snyman was the first man home, and Rochelle Berry was the ladies’ winner.

Samuel McIntosh and Karen Potgieter dominated the 35-kilometre distance, with Tlakusani Ngwenyama and Almarie Mocke fastest over the 16-kilometre track.