#ProPotch Extreme Weekend attracts fitness fanatics from all over

A total number of 274 cyclists participated in this year's #ProPotch NWU Extreme MTB Challenge.

May 6, 2021

Supplied 3 minutes read

The #ProPotch NWU Extreme Weekend was the ideal opportunity for all mountain bikers and trail runners to enjoy the outdoors and stand a chance to win their share of R 30 000 prize money.

This event, hosted by the Potchefstroom Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the North-West University, took place at Lekwena Wildlife Estate from 1-2 May was a tremendous success. The Chamber of Commerce hosts this event to attract tourists to our city to promote local tourism and showcase all the great things Potchefstroom has to offer.

A total number of 274 cyclists participated in this year’s #ProPotch NWU Extreme MTB Challenge. This year’s mountain bike challenge was definitely extreme due to unexpected rain the evening before the race and left some sections of the route very muddy. The organisers shortened the 95km route to a still challenging 80km filled with plenty of climbs.

The participants reported that the route was well-planned and made for an exciting and enjoyable race. The other categories for women and men included 60km and 42km. Alwyn Steenkamp, men’s winner of the 80km with a time of 2:45:28, is a professional cyclist from Randfontein and enjoyed this opportunity to race. Steenkamp said that he really enjoyed the race and the beautiful scenery.

He further stated that the event was very well-planned and enjoyed the layout of the race and the excellent atmosphere at the venue. Yolandi Swanepoel, a professional Garmin MTB ambassador, was victorious in the women’s 80km race. “Initially, I was a bit worried about the mud, but I have to say that adapting the route was an excellent decision. It was an interesting race with the natural terrain and all its twists and turns.”

Steven Nkhoma was the first man to cross the finish line in the 60km race with a time of 2:26:35. Nkhoma is originally from Malawi, but currently lives in Johannesburg. He has been cycling for three years now and said that this race was incredibly special since it was his first win. The first woman in this category was Joné van Eeden, a cyclist from Potchefstroom who finished with a time of 2:41:16. Johan de Villiers from Parys said that he managed to break away from the group to win the men’s 42km with a time of 1:29:27.

Sonica Klopper from Pretoria was the first woman to cross the finish line and participated in the 42km race. Klopper said that she really enjoyed the race, and there were sections of the race where participants could really pick-up speed.

Runners had an early start the following morning, with 168 runners braving the cold to take part in the #ProPotch NWU Trail Run 24km, 14km or 5km. The 24km men’s winner was Dikots Lekopa with a time of 1:26:21, and Adele Broodryk won the women’s section with a time of 1:45:57.

In the 14km trail run, the men’s winner was Ryan Mathaba with a time of 56:35, and in the women’s section Adel Terblanche came in first with a time of 01:10:21. The male and female winners of the 5km fun run were Eddie Murphy and Lize van der Mescht both with times just over 31 minutes.

Armin Botha came in third place in the men’s 24km race and gave some feedback about the race and the route.

“The route was flat, and we could run it very quickly. There was a steep uphill at 12km that was a game-changer! The environment was beautiful, and at 21km, I stopped in my tracks because a herd of giraffes passed in front of my eyes,” said Botha.

The #ProPotch NWU Extreme Weekend has continued to show growth over the years and remains an event that attracts mountain bikers and trail runners from all over South Africa. Juanita Greyling, the Potchefstroom Chamber of Commerce vice-chairperson, said that the #ProPotch NWU Extreme Weekend is definitely an adventure-filled weekend to mark in your calendar.

The Potchefstroom Chamber of Commerce plans to host the #ProPotch Extreme Weekend from the 1-2 of May in 2022 with lots of new and exciting add-ons. For more information, videos and photos from the event, visit the “Potchefstroom Sakekamer” Facebook page.

Here are photos of the top achievers: