‘Holiday’ MTB win for Hayley Smith
The Port Edward Holiday Resort Burry Stander MTB and Trail Run Sardine Festival took place last weekend.
THE first race of the exciting new South Coast MTB Series, together with an adventurous trail run, was launched at the Port Edward Holiday Resort last weekend.
Despite the very windy conditions, cold front and intermittent rain, hundreds of cyclists and runners still arrived and completed the challenging and scenic routes on offer.
The route was designed by Port Edward Holiday Resort, Beavercreek and Estuary Villas. Endless compliments were received on how well marked and beautiful the course was.
Participants were especially enthralled with the experience of going through the world’s smallest desert.
In fact, the best professional mountain bikers and trail runners alike classed the route as one of the top three in KZN.
On Saturday, seasoned campaigner and no stranger to the South Coast, Leeroy Emslie finished in first position winning the cash prize as well as the uniquely designed trophy, compliments of Africarve.
Local Hayley Smith finished her race way ahead of second place, further securing her status as the best female mountain biker in the country.
That evening everyone enjoyed a festival vibe with a performance from live band Reflex while drinking local craft beer, where more than R1000 was raised for Port Edward NSRI thanks to a lucky draw raffle.
Ed Cumming was the winner of a fantastic accommodation prize courtesy of the Beekman Group.
A big highlight for the athletes was the 20km downhill trail that started at Clearwater and finished at the resort.
On Sunday, Michael Mzobe from local running club South Coast Striders was victorious with an incredibly fast time while Dannon Mackenzie led the women’s race in style.
Although these two sports are known for their high intensity and danger, only three minor incidents were reported the entire weekend.
A big thank you must be given to the emergency services including NSRI, KZN Private Ambulance and SAPS Port Edward who assisted with the event.
MTB results
45km
Male: 1 Leeroy Emslie 01:54:13; 2 Jason Davies 1:55:19; 3 Mboneni Ngcobo 01:55:29.
Female: 1 Hayley Smith 02:07:56; 2 Candice Parker-Dennison 02:16:04; 3 Natalie Bergstrom 02:17:08.
25km
Male: 1 Lindokuhle Mbhele 01:03:09; 2 John Cele 01:03:58; 3 Thubalethu Shange 01:05:35.
Female: 1 Trish Shuttleworth 01:33:04; 2 Pam Pillay 01:39:00; 3 Pam Stafford-Mayer 01:40:23.
TRAIL RUN results
20km
Male: 1 Michael Mzobe 01:12:10; 2 Themba Xesibe 01:13:57; 3 Eric Ndovela 01:17:01.
Female: 1 Dannon Mackenzie 02:03:17; 2 Tarryn Haigh 02:03:24; 3 Sarah Lekoane 02:03:52.
10km
Male: Sinovuyo Nkasa 36:25; 2 Siyabonga Mbengo 40:56; 3 Jabulani Majombozi 40:59.
Female: 1 Danielle Cronje 58:40; 2 Zinnia Freitas 1:01:33; 3 Bianca Voigts 1:04:51.
5km
Male: 1 Simphiwe Mgcombo 20:14; 2 Mpilwhenhle Cele 20:40; 3 Fabio Freitas 21:14.
Female: 1 Rachel Adam 27:11; 2 Nicola Freitas 27:38; 3 Kristen Hulley 28:07.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
