Extreme weather, extreme fun at the Vulintaba Extreme Cycle Challenge – (Gallery)

On March 31, the inaugural Vulintaba Extreme Cycle Challenge was held, and spectators and contestants have already marked of the event in their calendars for next year.

April 7, 2018

F.C. Pelser 2 minutes read

Nico Oosthuizen congratulates Nico Bell, the winner of the 75 km race.

Mud, sweat, tears, scraped knees and hours of fun are but a few words which described the Vulintaba Extreme Cycle Challenge 2018.

On March 31, the inaugural Vulintaba Extreme Cycle Challenge was held, and spectators and contestants have already marked of the event in their calendars for next year.

“This race actually began eight years ago when we first had the idea to host an event like this, and this year we finally had the chance to make it a reality.” Said Nico Oosthuizen, owner of Vulintaba Country Hotel and Spa.

ALSO READ: Newcastle Wheelers Cycling Club reward cyclists for efforts

Hosted by Newcastle Wheelers and Vulintaba, the event was attended by hundreds of cycling enthusiast from all over South Africa, who faced the muddy roads, fog and wet weather to enjoy a day of hard competition.

According to Liezel van der Westhuizen, the beloved KFM presenter and avid sportswoman, who was MC on the day, the energy was electric.

“I have a little bit of FOMO presenting today and not being able to compete. We are all really lucky to be part of an event like this.”

Contestants of all ages competed in a 17 km, 55km or 75km trail with prizes to the value of around R220 000 were to be won.

At the end of the day the results were as follows:

17 km race:

First place male winner: Milan Cilliers

Second place male winner: Japie Kleynhans

Third place male winner: Janré Ras

First place female winner: Tessa Scholtz

Second place female winner: Elizma Schoeman

Third place female winner: Helen Crous.

55 km race: