Ballito cyclists dominate at Joburg2C multi-day mountain bike race

They cycled through four provinces covering 900 kilometres in nine days from Johannesburg to Scottburgh in the 10th edition of the Joburg2C multi-day mountain bike stage race last week.

Of the 800 riders, nine came from Ballito with Julian Bryant staying ahead of the pack, claiming the overall prize for the Solo Veteran Male (40 – 49 years old).

“The riders enjoyed the sublime single and jeep track, as well as farm and district roads on the journey. It was fantastic to see 285 international entries across 30 countries, with Belgium having a contingent of 50 riders alone,” said Bryant, who managed three stage victories in his category with consistent podium finishes.

He also finished 12th overall with a time of 38 hours and 55 mins, at an average of 23 kilometres per hour. He had a lead of seven minutes over second placed veteran Tom Lemmens from Flanders, Belgium.

“We had a total elevation gain of 16,000 metres. The first and last stages were neutral, with the seven stages in between ranging from 95 to 120 kilometres each, being the ‘racing’ stages.”

The challenging route took the cyclists through Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and KZN crossing through private farms, reserves and rural communities.

“The racing across the Free State was fast and undulating, with lots of muddy sections in the low lying farm areas. Three of the many highlights of the race were: crossing the Vaal Dam by boat on neutral stage one; descending into KZN on a rocky single track down the escarpment towards the race village in Em’seni near Winterton and finally the 20 kilometre single track descent into the majestically beautiful Umkomaas Valley.”

Also read: Helmets, beer, live music and an adrenaline rush at the Classic

The race finished at the Scottburgh golf course overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Fellow Ballito cyclist Jeremy Lamb shared the same category with Bryant, while Hilton Brown, Chris Maitland, Cameron Miller, Jamie Hynd, Gary Hamilton, Grieg Hamilton and Steve Prowse cycled in other categories.

The team from Ballito also used the ride to raise awareness and funds for the Johannesburg-based charity – Kids Get Arthritis Too.

“We set the fund raising target at R30 000 and were thrilled to have over achieved with R44,000 pledged to date.”

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