The Mpumalanga Enduro Series wrapped up its thrilling season finale at the scenic Tranquilitas Adventure Trails just outside Emgwenya on Sunday, October 27.

Riders from all over South Africa gathered to test their limits on some of the country’s most challenging and beautiful mountain bike trails.

“The final race of the season brought together 76 riders in the Full Enduro category and 12 in the Lite Enduro, all eager to navigate steep climbs, intense descents and technical trails designed to push every competitor to their limits. The event celebrated not only athletic prowess, but also the shared spirit of camaraderie and adventure that defines the mountain biking community. Amid the intense action, riders and spectators were treated to breathtaking views, a buzzing race atmosphere and a course designed to be as thrilling as it was demanding,” said Schalk Potas of the Trail Awareness Crew, the organisers.

The full enduro was a distance of 27.8km, but the competitors were only timed on the six stages, the fastest total being the category winner. Keagan Brand conquered the challenging terrain and 759m of elevation to win the senior men’s race. His time of 00:19:29 edged out Lowveld legend Willie van Eck, and Ruben le Roux in a tight battle for the podium.

In the e-bike male category, Patrick Morewood flew across the finish line with an impressive 00:20:10, claiming first place. Lance Murray stormed the course junior men’s race in 00:20:21, showcasing incredible skill for his age. The seasoned Barry Crouse proved unstoppable in the master men’s category with his time of 00:20:52. Raymond Oosterlaak showed prowess, claiming the top spot in subvets in 00:21:05. Lowvelder Shaun Kunze took charge of the youth men category, finishing in 00:21:39. Carl Deary claimed the vet men’s title in 00:21:51. Young talent Ethan Duvenage showed skill beyond his years with a stellar 00:14:17 for first place in the lite sprog male race.

Megan Jonker dominated with a blazing time of 00:24:33, leading the women’s field in senior women category. The junior girls showed incredible speed and stamina, with Mikyla Herbst taking first in 00:25:04. Kelly Marnewick took the vet women’s category with a smooth and controlled 00:25:05, embodying strength and resilience on the trails.

Lowveld rider Shirley Emmerick took the master women race 00:36:33. Another Lowvelder, Corné Ackermann, showed her mastery and experience by finishing with a respectable 00:28:00 in the grandmaster women’s category. Lowvelder Mikyla Herbst was the winner of the junior female Mpumalanga Enduro 3 in 00:25:04. Lowveld enduro rider, Morné van Niekerk, won the subjunior boys category in 00:23:25. Leyla de Oliveira shone brightly in the Lite Sprog Female category, completing the course in 00:16:13.

The future stars took to the course with energy and enthusiasm. Liam Marnewick finished with an impressive 00:17:46, claiming top honours in the lite nipper male category.

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“The success of this event is a testament to the unwavering support of our sponsors, who played a crucial role in bringing the Mpumalanga Enduro Series to life. We extend our deepest gratitude to them,” said Potas. “We sincerely thank Tranquilitas Adventure Trails for hosting us on their incredible well-maintained trails. Their dedication to keeping the trails in pristine condition elevates the racing experience and highlights the beauty of the local terrain. Additionally, a special thanks go to the Pyga family and Barry and Richard Crouse for their invaluable assistance in building exciting new features on the newly introduced stages, adding fresh challenges and thrills for our riders.

“A heartfelt thank you to Arnold Botha (Smokie-Joe) and Dan Van Eijk (Danger-Dan), our race sweepers, who ensure every rider safely makes it to the finish. Constantly updating race organisers and support staff on the field’s progress, they provide essential support for riders facing minor issues like flat tyres and other challenges, making them vital to bringing everyone home.

“Our medics from Emer-G-Med were also essential to the event’s success, standing by to provide expert assistance. Their professionalism allowed us to host a safe race, with minimal incidents handled promptly and efficiently.

“A big thank you also goes to those who offered shuttling assistance – Tranquilitas, Barry Herbst, Buks van Niekerk, the Trail Awareness Crew, Patrick Kunze, Arnold Botha, the Pyga family and Barry and Richard Crouse. Your time, equipment and dedication ensured the riders reached the practice stages smoothly and safely. We know your passion for the sport drives your commitment, and we appreciate every effort made, including contributions from those we may have missed,” said Potas.

Overall results
Men:
• Keagan Brand (elite men) – 00:19:29
• Willie van Eck (elite men) – 00:20:04
• Patrick Morewood (e-bike men) – 00:20:10
• Lance Murray (junior men) – 00:20
• Tristan Vorster (Junior Men) – 00:20:32
Women:
• Megan Jonker (elite women) – 00:24:33
• Mikyla Herbst (junior women) – 00:25:04
• Kelly Marnewick (vet women) – 00:25
• Keara Botha (junior women) – 00:26:28
• Corné Ackermann (grandmaster women) 00:28:00.

Photos: Supplied/Wilhinphotography

Top three category results
Senior men:
1. Keagan Brand – 00:19:29
2. Willie van Eck – 00:20:04
3. Ruben le Roux – 00:21;17
E-bike men:
1. Patrick Morewood – 00:20:10
2. Richard Crouse – 00:21:18
3. Mike Lewis – 00:21:41
Junior men
1. Lance Murray – 00:20:21
2. Tristan Vorster – 00:20:32
3. Luke Storm – 00:20:59
Master men
1. Barry Crouse – 00:20:52
2. Arnold Botha – 00:25:18
3. Frans Kirsten – 00:27:03
Subvet men
1. Raymond Oosterlaak – 00:21:05
2. Justin Victor – 00:21:45
3. Joe Bester – 00:21:46
Youth men
1. Shaun Kunze – 00:21:39
2. Henro Fourie – 00:22:18
3. Jarno Oelofsen – 00:23:33
Vet men
1. Carl Dreary – 00:2:51
2. Robert Moore – 00:23:44
3. Paulo Francisco – 00:24:48
Senior women
1. Megan Jonker – 00:24:33
Junior women
1. Mikyla Herbst – 00:25:04
2. Keara Botha – 00:26:28
Vet women
1. Kelly Marnewick – 00:25:05
Grandmaster women
1. Corné Ackermann – 00:28:00
E-bike women
1. Lauren Gobindlal – 00:34:19
Master women
1. Shirley Emmerick – 00:36:33
Lite sprog female
1. Leyla de Oliveira – 00:16:13
Lite nipper male
1. Liam Marnewick – 00:17:46
2. Wihan van Niekerk – 00:19:28
3. Robbie Oosterlaak – 00:27:14.
Lite sprog male
1. Ethan Duvenhage – 00:14:17
2. Rinhardt Strydom – 00:16:57
3. WK Combrink – 00:18:05
Subjunior male
1. Morné van Niekerk – 00:23:25
2. Zak Coetzee – 00:25:22
3. Ruben Jansen van Vuuren – 00:25:57
Subjunior girls
1. Gabby de Oliveira – 00:34:10.

Photos: Mark Kinnear