Shusha shines and so does Smith
The weather played the game, too, making for a great day all round.
Cyclists Lindani Shusha and Hayley Smith took the honours in the feature races of the Bestmed Wild Coast Sun MTB Classic near Port Edward last weekend.
Shusha (21), from Port Shepstone, picked up the men’s 40km title for the first time and Smith, who lives in Durban North, but is from Uvongo, won the women’s event in her maiden appearance.
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Crossing the finishing line at the Wild Coast Sun hotel in 1:48:00, Shusha came home just more than five minutes ahead of Wayne Tarr (1:53:11), with Nduduzo Ndlovu third (1:59:21).
Shusha said afterwards he had competed in the race before, finishing fourth last year and was delighted to claim top spot on the podium.
Although there were some tough climbs along the route, Shusha, who led from the start, said he had felt comfortable throughout.
“I managed to build a small lead and was able stay in front throughout the race. I felt I was able to handle the uphills and I still felt quite strong at the end.
“I’m very happy that I was able to win this time after last year’s result.”
Smith (23), who is sponsored by Bell Equipment, said she had achieved her objective in taking the women’s 40km title.
She finished in 2:04:26, ahead of Debrah Thomas (2:10:29) and Jill Lynch (2:31:14).
“Although it was my first Wild Coast race, I knew what it entailed so I came here with the goal to win. I’m delighted that it turned out that way.”
She had plenty of praise for the organisers, saying it had been “an awesome experience”.
“There were a few nasty hills, but that was mixed with some great single-track, which gave us a really good experience overall.”
Honours in the men’s 20km race went to 13-year-old Nicholas de Bruin of Umtentweni, who stopped the clock on 1:12:48.
The women’s title went to Zinnia Freitas, who finished in 1:38:00.
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