North Coast cyclists impress at 16th edition of KAP Sani2C
Although a reduced capacity event was allowed to continue during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, 2021 represented a near return to normality for the riders.
The 16th edition of the KAP Sani2C was a huge success, drawing riders from across the North Coast and beyond.
Although a reduced capacity event was allowed to continue during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, 2021 represented a near return to normality for the riders.
The riders were treated to perfect weather conditions over the 4 days, avoiding the wet and difficult trails of past events.
When at full tilt, Sani2C runs 3 events which all follow the same course from Glencairn Farm near Underberg to Scottburgh (this year ending at the town’s golf club), staggered for novices, amateurs and professionals.
“This year they merged the Trail (novice) and the Adventure (amateurs) to narrow the field with Covid concerns,” said Dunkirk resident and adventure rider, Clinton Pretorius (36).
He rode with cycling partner, Simon Dougall and the pair were right in the mix over the first 2 days.
“We started in B division but were able to get up into A by the end of day one. At the end of day 2, we were the 14th placed team.”
Two technical issues on the final day meant that a push for the top 10 was impossible, but the pair still finished as the 20th best team overall. In their category, sub vet, they managed another great finish with 10th and 11th positions respectively.
Mark Jason and riding partner, Stuart Roos took on the main race and for good reason, following months of training.
The Ballito residents spent a week travelling across the Western Cape two months ago and rode the Transkei Coastline from top to bottom 3 weeks ago.
“We were feeling good coming into the race. After racing most of the first events 15 years ago, this was my first in a while so I was excited to get back,” said Mark.
In such a competitive category, even the smallest technical issue can see you dropping down the leaderboard with a chasing pack always ready to overtake.
“Unfortunately we started with a technical on day 1, with a seat post falling off from Stuart’s bike. He had to ride without one for 25kms until the next water table so that set us back a little.”
Still, the team ploughed on through hot and dusty conditions, finishing in 63rd and 64th in the veteran category and 207th and 208th overall.
“The event has become a well oiled machine, its so great to get out there and see how it has changed from the early ones.”
Overall, Matthys Beukes and Gert Heyns took home the men’s victory, with Amy McDougall and Robyn de Groot winning in the women’s category.
