Big turnout to support Natalie

Hard core mountain bikers, novices, parents and children all took to the pristine mountain biking trails at Sugar Rush on Sunday to help local mountain bike world champion, Natalie Bergstrom, get to Norway later this year.
Bergstrom is set to fly to Norway in September to defend her Masters world champion title.
Without full funding from the government, Bergstrom has had to arrange fundraisers and sell raffle tickets to pay for her trip later this year.
With the help of Sugar Rush and a number of sponsors, nearly 200 riders came out to ride in support of Bergstrom.
The champ was overwhelmed with the all the help she received.
“It was amazing considering there was a lot going on with the Midmar Mile and the South African Road Cycling Championships both on Sunday,” she said.-
“People were there to have a good time with the family, have a ride and eat some chow. It really was not a race. I am so grateful to everybody for all their help and support since last year.”
Bergstrom thanked all the sponsors who came on board for the event. She gave special mention to Sugar Rush’s Gill von Buddenbrock, who offered to host the fundraiser.
Von Buddenbrock received positive feedback after the event.
“The riders loved the routes, had lots of fun and especially found our MC, Kevin Perkins, such a good laugh,” she said.
“It has been so awesome to work with Nat, she is a very determined, hard working person who is passionate about the sport. Her courage is inspiring and she’s certainly got the drive and passion to succeed in her endeavour. It’s been a pleasure and I am so grateful to everyone who supported the ride to help get her across to compete.”
Bergstrom has a busy few months ahead as the season gets underway. She will take on KZN provincials cross country this weekend. From there it is full steam ahead to the world champs.
Von Buddenbrock estimated that over R10 000 was raised on the day.