IN PHOTOS: Riders show no fear of muddy challenge
Sappi Mankele Challenge was back for the second consecutive year.
For the second consecutive year the various race routes of the 2025 Sappi Mankele Challenge were a mudbath on Saturday, April 5.
Intermittent rain in the days running up to the event, and during race morning, made conditions very tough for the competitors. The rain resulted in slippery single tracks and silty sludge on the forestry roads.
Mud-caked riders and bikes crossed the finish line at Mankele Adventures with a sense of pride and accomplishment much bigger than it would have been in dry conditions.
Danie Botha and his team of 2D Adventures did a remarkable job preparing the courses to ensure the safety of the riders in conditions that were beyond anyone’s control.
The figurative and literal mountains the riders mentally and physically overcame on the day made this Sappi Mankele one that will not be forgotten.
Jade Di-Sante ruled the 70km men’s race, winning in 02:40:23.
Jano Venter and Christiaan Smit went wheel to wheel for second place, with Venter taking silver in 02:47:57, and Smit finishing third in 02:48:49.
The subveteran, Melissa Grobler, was in a class of her own in the women’s 70km event. She won her gender group and category in 03:44:36.
The 59-year-old master rider, Shirley Emerick, reflected the spirit of the day, and was the second and only other female across the finish line in 04:46:35.
In the 70km men’s subveteran category, Dewald Coetzee finished first in 02:36:28, Lofte Grobler second in 03:44:36, and Danie Steyn third in 04:02:09.
Justin Opitz and Chris Herselman pushed each other all the way in the 70km vet men’s race. Opitz took the win in 02:54:57, with Herselman second just eight seconds later.
Abrie du Plessis was third in 02:58:34.
Anton van Tonder dominated the master men category, winning in 03:02:15.
Francois de Jager was second in 03:33:58, and Eric Dixon third in 03:50:33.
