Ballito locals dominate Expedition

World champion mountain biker Natalie Bergstrom did not disappoint, streaking ahead of the competition to bag first place in the women’s 50km race of the Ballito Expedition on Saturday.
The Ballito local was followed by Frankie du Toit and Tamryn Taylor, in second and third place respectively.
Sugar Rush’s Tyronne White came out tops in the men’s 50km securing both first place positions for Ballito residents. He was followed by Tim Stark and Werner Moolman.
Sabine Thies from Wartburg won the women’s 25km race, with second and third place going to Theresa Couzyn (Ballito) and Pam Rice respectively, while the men’s 25km race was won by Ballito’s Bradley Stevens followed by Mariu Mthembu (Salt Rock) and Dylan Botha.
The annual event, known previously as the KZN Expedition, traditionally took place in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. This year saw the race move to the North Coast. Hosted by the Sugar Rush Adventure Centre, this event showcased the precinct , due to open in the next few weeks.
Riders took on the new 50 km trail, some tough terrain specifically built for the Ballito Expedition and the new Sugar Rush trail, comprising 25km of easier riding.
“It was a great success and this event will be held again in Ballito next year, which we are looking forward to hosting for a second time,” said Sugar Rush venue co-ordinator Gill von Buddenbrock.
Ten rand out of each entry fee was donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa.