There are mixed feelings and heated debates around this, but riders need to remember that Tokai is a working plantation and felling of trees is inevitable. There are still plenty of trails to enjoy, perhaps aimed more towards the trail riders, but I see this as a good thing. Riders need to go outside of their comfort zones and push the limits of their skills to become better riders.

I have chatted to Deon, the man leading the charge when it comes to tokai’s future trail network. He has an optimistic view of  the future, saying: ” Tokai is a commercial plantation operated by Cape Pine. This current logging is no different from all the logging that has preceded it, the trails are destroyed every time. The exception now being that the pines will not be replanted and TMNP will be taking an active role in the restoration of the lost trails, something we’ve not had before and marks the difference in their view on the sport from previous years.”

Below is an image that I acquired from Deon and AirMap that shows the extent of the logging.  For local riders it is a depressing site, but I think the future trails will make up for this. Lets be patient and show our support for what could become Cape Town’s best bike park.

BEFORE

AFTER

Riding in the colours of EAI-Westvaal, the pair finished fourth on the 80km final stage from Highflats to Scottburgh to claim the victors’ laurels in an aggregate time of 9:44:50.

It was Knox’s second win in the world’s largest fully serviced stage race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth.

Defending champion Kevin Evans won the final stage alongside FedGroup-Itec team-mate Gawie Combrinck in 2:45:16.

They were followed home by RE:CM’s Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus in 2:47:59, with Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald rounding out the podium for FedGroup-Itec a further second back.

In the overall standings, Stewart and MacDonald claimed the runners-up spot in 9:46:19, with Contego-Giant’s Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns third in 9:49:02.

Bell, who currently leads the MTN marathon series ahead of Knox, said he and his sometime adversary were currently both on good form and riding well together.

“We weren’t really going for the stage win today, we just wanted to take the win overall. But we wanted to make it hard from the start, so we rode away slightly in the beginning.”

The Mpumalanga-based riders kept a steady pace but by the first waterpoint, 23km in, all the main contenders were back together.

“And then FedGroup-Itec put in a lot of work because they wanted to set it up for their second team (Evans and Combrinck),” said Bell.

“We just had to make sure that Brandon and Neil didn’t ride away so we just sat on their wheel all day. We were happy for the other guys to go up the road because they were still 12 or so minutes behind us.”

The top teams worked together through Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and past the second waterpoint at 58km.

Then, with 20km to go, Evans and Combrinck made their break along the railway track.

“I said this morning I would really like to win this stage,” said Evans. “The guys were all super competitive but we managed to get away.”

The win has special significance for the five-time champion, who has endured a long road to full recovery following abdominal surgery earlier this year.

“I’m super chuffed, it’s been a long time coming for me.”

Biogen Ladies’ Ischen Stopforth (front) and Robyn de Groot cross the 360Life floating bridge en route to victory in the women’s category at the Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race at Scottburgh on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

In the women’s race, Ischen Stopforth added a second title to her name, this time alongside Olympic road rider Robyn de Groot.

The Biogen team clocked 3:14:58 for the stage victory en route to a convincing category win in a combined time of 11:32:52.

Britain’s Catherine Williamson, who won with Stopforth last year, took second on the stage with bizhub team-mate Yolandi du Toit in 3:25:40. FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore completed the day’s podium in 3:33:17.

These teams occupy the same positions in the general classification with overall times of 11:54:16 and 12:51:48 respectively.

De Groot, riding in her first Nedbank sani2c, said she had thoroughly enjoyed the different discipline.

“I love mountain biking. I loved the trails and single track.

“Obviously I have some room for improvement but it’s great to learn from someone with Ischen’s experience.”

She said the 360Life floating bridge over Scottburgh lagoon and into the sea had proved challenging.

“It was a little bit more unstable than I expected. There were some wobbly moments, especially in the corners!”

RE:CM’s Ariane Kleinhans leads husband Erik across the 360Life floating bridge at Scottburgh as they head towards their third win in the mixed category at the Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of RE:CM stamped their authority on the race by taking a third consecutive overall victory in the mixed category in 11:00:43.

They finished more than 27 minutes clear of stage three winners Kendall Ryan and Patrick Belton of Jeep-Felt, who claimed second on the standings in 11:28:28.

Ryan and Belton took the stage into Scottburgh in 3:06:04, just 26 seconds ahead of the Kleinhans couple, with Educos’s Taygan Robson and Samantha Saunders two minutes back in 3:08:10.

The final step of the overall podium however belonged to RMB Change a Life Academy’s John Ntuli and Jeannie Dreyer in 11:38:09.

RESULTS

Stage 3

Men: 1. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 2:45:16; 2. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 2:47:59; 3. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 2:48:00; 4. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 2:48:01; 5. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 2:48:28

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 3:14:58; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 3:25:40; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 3:33:17; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 4:06:15; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 4:11:11

Mixed: 1. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 3:06:04; 2. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 3:06:30; 3. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 3:08:10; 4. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 3:14:44; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 3:19:11

Overall

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 9:44:50; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 9:46:19; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 9:49:02; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 9:50:48; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 9:51:43

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 11:32:52; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 11:54:16; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 12:51:48; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 14:06:56; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 14:10:45

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 11:00:43; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 11:28:28; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 11:38:09; 4. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 11:49:02; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 11:54:34

After crashing early on the descent into the Umkomaas River Valley, the mud-spattered EAI-Westvaal riders powered their way back to claim the 99km stage from MacKenzie Club near Ixopo to Jolivet farm in the Highflats region.

They crossed the finish line first in 4:09:36, almost a minute-and-a-half ahead of second-placed Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald of FedGroup-Itec (4:11:01). Early leaders Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns of Contego-Giant trailed them home in 4:13:23.

An on-form Bell and Knox, who are currently lying first and second in the MTN marathon series, moved from fourth to first in the overall standings with an aggregate time of 6:56:49.

Stewart and MacDonald, who were fifth in the general classification, moved into the runner-up spot for a combined time of 6:58:19, while Knipe and Heyns slipped from second to third overall in 7:00:34.

Overnight leaders Charles Keey and Darren Lill dropped out of contention completely after mechanical problems put paid to their chances.

Faced with over 2 200m of descending, Knipe and Heyns threw caution to the wind as they set a blistering pace early on and flew towards the valley floor.

By the time they reached the first waterpoint alongside the St Josephine’s bridge at the 38km mark, they had opened up an almost seven-minute lead on Bell and Knox.

A further two minutes off the pace were Lill and Keey, Stewart and MacDonald, Woolcock and Luus (RE:CM) and Kevin Evans and Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2).

While RE:CM and Cannondale-Blend fell back due to punctures, Stewart and MacDonald pulled clear of the remaining chasers to catch Bell and Knox on the climb out of the valley.

The two teams worked together to close the gap on the leaders and by the second water table, at 65km, Knipe and Heyns’s lead had narrowed to just three minutes.

By the final waterpoint at Highflats Church 15km later, the three leading teams were together at the front.

“Once we got to Highflats and Nico was still looking fresh I knew that maybe we wouldn’t win but we at least needed to make it hard for the other guys,” said Knox.

“Then we got a gap and made it count to the finish. Hopefully we can have a smooth run tomorrow and bring it home.”

There was an interesting tussle in the women’s race as overnight leaders Ischen Stopforth and Robyn de Groot of Biogen also encountered mechanical difficulties over the first 50km.

“It was a mudslide out there today,” said De Groot. “Ischen had chainsuck that sucked like a vampire and then her saddle dropped.”

After stopping to fix the seatpost, the two caught and passed leading ladies Catherine Williamson and Yolandi du Toit of bizhub on the valley ascent.

Stopforth and De Groot eventually came home in 5:10:09, more than eight minutes clear of second-placed Williamson and Du Toit (5:18:59). FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore finished third in 5:41:35.

With an aggregate time of 8:17:54, the stage win puts Biogen more than 10 minutes clear of their bizhub rivals on the overall standings.

Williamson and Stopforth remain second in 8:28:36, with Stewart and Moore rounding out the podium in 9:18:31.

Mixed category leaders Erik and Ariane Kleinhans played it carefully in the treacherous conditions but still showed their class by taking the stage in 4:56:35 to cement a convincing overall lead (7:54:13).

They were followed home by Jeep-Felt’s Patrick Belton and his American partner Kendall Ryan in 5:10:14, with RMB Change a Life Academy’s John Ntuli and Jeannie Dreyer a further 25 seconds adrift.

“We decided not to risk anything today, especially in the mud, so we were joined by John and Jeannie,” said Erik Kleinhans.

“We rode with them for a while and then we stopped to clean our bikes. We eventually caught up to them with about 40km to go and rode together but on the climbs Ariane was a bit stronger and we pulled away.

“But they looked good out there today. It was nice to see them up front for a while.”

Belton and Ryan climbed two places to second overall (8:22:24), while Ntuli and Dreyer moved up from fifth to third (8:23:25).

The final stage of the race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, will see riders crossing the Scottburgh lagoon and riding out onto the Indian Ocean on a world-first floating bridge after covering 80km from Jolivet.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

RESULTS

Stage 2

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 4:09:36; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 4:11:01; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 4:13:23; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 4:15:38; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 4:18:21

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 5:10:09; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 5:18:59; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 5:41:35; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 6:04:40; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 6:10:18

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 4:56:35; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 5:10:14; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 5:10:39; 4. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 5:18:40; 5. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 5:31:14

Overall

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 6:56:49; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 6:58:19; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 7:00:34; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 7:02:49; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 7:06:27

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 8:17:54; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 8:28:36; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 9:18:31; 4. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 9:59:34; 5. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 10:00:41

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 7:54:13; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 8:22:24; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 8:23:25; 4. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 8:35:23; 5. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 8:40:52

The Cannondale-Blend duo timed it perfectly to hold off all contenders in a bunch sprint to the finish, taking the 87km stage from Underberg to MacKenzie Club in 2:47:10.

They were followed home a second later by runners-up Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns of Contego-Giant, with Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus of RE:CM behind them.

“It’s really nice for Charles and I because we’ve both been sick and had a bad run at Epic and joBerg2c, so this win has been a long time coming,” said Lill.

He said the presence of at least half a dozen strong teams upfront had made the racing a lot more tactical and the pace had varied accordingly.

“It was a lot more like a road race, actually,” said the former national road champion.

According to his team-mate Keey, who finished second last year alongside James Reid, the racing had split on the Oak Maze dual track within the first 12km.

“It regrouped a bit after that and then we went into another bit of single track through the trees.”

Climbing out of that section, the decisive move came on the tough View Climb – the highest point on the event.

The top six teams – including Max Knox and Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal), Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec), and Andrew Hill and Leeroy Emslie (TIB) – shook off the chasers as they powered up the ascent.

They stayed together over the PG Bison floating bridge at the 30km mark and through both waterpoints, with Keey taking the lead into the final uphill drag to the finish.

“We were positioned fairly well. Charles hit out at the right time, just as the hill crested, and kept it going all the way to the line,” said Lill.

“I was just following the right wheels and I could see by the time we got to this grass finish that we were going to take it.”

After a run of bad luck this season, Charles Keey and Darren Lill finally got the break they needed to claim the opening stage of the three-day Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race near Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.
The Cannondale-Blend duo timed it perfectly to hold off all contenders in a bunch sprint to the finish, taking the 87km stage from Underberg to MacKenzie Club in 2:47:10.

In the women’s race, the stage victory went to Ischen Stopforth and Olympic road racer Robyn de Groot, riding in the colours of Biogen, in 3:07:45.

They came home almost two minutes ahead of Stopforth’s former bizhub partner Catherine Williamson – with whom she won last year – and Yolandi du Toit in 3:09:37. FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore finished a distant third in 3:36:55.

De Groot, competing in her maiden Nedbank sani2c, said it was great to be riding with the seasoned Stopforth but that their lead was far from secure. “A minute or two isn’t much in mountain biking.”

Two-time Absa Cape Epic and Old Mutual joBerg2c champions Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of RE:CM once again showed world-class form by winning the mixed category in 2:57:38.

They were followed by Educos duo Taygan Robson and Samantha Sanders in 3:09:38, with Sweden’s Jennie Stenerhag and Nizaam Esa of Asrin Cycling third in 3:11:42.

On Friday, the gruelling 99km second stage from Ixopo to Jolivet farm near Highflats features a spectacular descent into the Umkomaas River Valley and 2 288m of climbing.

The race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, wraps up with a world-first floating bridge finish into the sea at Scottburgh’s main beach on Saturday.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

RESULTS

Stage 1

Men: 1. Charles Keey & Darren Lill (Cannondale-Blend) 2:47:10; 2. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 2:47:11; 3. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 2:47:11; 4. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 2:47:13; 5. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 2:47:18

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 3:07:45; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 3:09:37; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 3:36:56; 4. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 3:49:16; 5. Andrea von Holdt & Sanmari Woithe (Merrell Ladies) 3:51:09

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 2:57:38; 2. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 3:09:38; 3. Nizaam Esa & Jennie Stenerhag (Asrin Cycling) 3:11:42; 4. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 3:12:10; 5. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 3:12:46

Evans, who is slowly returning to form following complications from abdominal surgery, is set to mount his title defence in the 271km Race alongside ad hoc partner Gawie Combrinck.

The FedGroup-Itec duo will face stiff competition from a strong pro field that includes Old Mutual joBerg2c champions Neil MacDonald and Brandon Stewart (FedGroup-Itec) as well as runners-up Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus (RE:CM).

Also in the mix are Max Knox (Specialized/EAI Solutions), who currently leads the MTN National MTB Marathon series with three wins from four races, and Combrinck’s regular partner Nico Bell (Westvaal-Bell Cycles).

“I think we have a great chance at a podium but the racing will be very close this year,” said 34-year-old Evans.

“One small mistake could cost you the race and, if we’re smart, being in the right place at the right time could be the difference between a podium and a win.”

He said Combrinck, 27, was currently on good form and well rested after missing the joBerg2c due to Bell’s illness. Evans himself took the laurels in the solo category at the nine-day event.

“I could see Gawie’s form at the Mzansi Tour where he rode on the national squad alongside Robert Hunter. It was then that we chatted about sani2c.

“I think he will be the stronger rider for sure at this stage in our partnership. Makes me nervous!”

Evans said he was still rebuilding his form after battling with a recurring abscess following an appendectomy two years ago.

“It was a surgical problem but fortunately some good doctors finally got to the bottom of it this year. The form is improving slowly, bearing in mind that I’ve only been back on the bike for six weeks.”

The Plettenberg Bay-based rider is hoping to continue his winning streak that included various partners such as Stewart, Mannie Heymans, Alban Lakata, Ben-Melt Swanepoel and David George.

“I’m not sure what it is with sani2c, but it’s a great record. I think half the winning factor can be attributed to the race, in which I just really have fun.

“The route is great, the scenery and organisation is fantastic. It’s hard not to enjoy myself and, when I do, the results come.”

The Race finishes at Scottburgh on the South Coast on May 18.

The world’s largest mountain bike stage race is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth and comprises the Trail (May 14 to 16), Adventure (May 15 to 17) and Race (May 16 to 18) segments.

“Cometh the hour cometh the man.”

These words are the perfect way to describe Max Knox (Specialized/EAI Solutions) winning the MTN Gravel Travel National MTB driven by Nissan Ultra Marathon outside Wellington on Saturday (11 May).

Knox might just have made South African mountain biking history.  It is not known whether any rider has ever managed to win two of the MTN National MTB Series on consecutive weekends.

The previous weekend he was also victorious at MTN Clarens.

Knox’s winning time for the race over 102km was 4 hours 46 minutes and 27 seconds; Lourens Luus (RE:CM) was second in 4:48:25 followed by Matthys Beukes (Scott) in 4:49:12; Nico Bell (Westvaal/Bell Cycles) in 4:54:43 and Charles Keey (Cannondale/Blend Properties) 5:02:06.

It is interesting to note that Knox has won three of the four MTN National MTB ultra marathons he competed in so far. If he manages to win one more race in the MTN-series it will be a personal record for Knox. Last year he managed to win three of the eight races

Knox who fully realizes that any mountain biker is only as good as his last race is hoping that he will be able to pull of one more victory. “Naturally I am going to give it my all to win again. I really would love to win the Hilton Dirt Festival again but I got to be realistic mountain biking is an unpredictable sport and the biggest mistake any rider could make is to get over confident. Therefore I will take each race as it comes.”

Knox’s game plan at the MTN Gravel Travel boiled down to “slow poison”.

“I purposely upped the pace quite early on during the race as I wanted my rivals to suffer. Each time there was a climb I accelerated that little bit more to put even more pressure on them. By the time we got the last climb I could see that there were gaps forming in our lead group of five so I knew the other riders were starting to get tired.

“I attacked knowing that if I managed to get to the top of the climb first I will also be the first going onto the single track and that would make things difficult because the other riders won’t really know where I am.

“It was basically a case of out of sight out of mind.”

Luus admitted that Knox totally caught him unaware with his final attack. “I knew Max was going to attack, I just did not know when he was going to do it. I was slowing down at the water point to get some refreshments when it happened.

“But that is no excuse. Max was definitely the strongest rider on the day, and fully deserved to win. “After being dropped by Max I just wanted to consolidate my second place finish.”

At 21 Luus is definitely the revelation of this season’s MTN National MTB Series.

Food for thought is the fact that at one stage four of the six riders in the breakaway group were Lowvelders (Knox, Luus, Bell and Gawie Combrinck). Knox said he also picked up on that.  “I thought to myself this is might as well be one of our local Lowveld races.”

Beukes had a little bit of bad luck. He was in the lead group but was brought to an abrupt halt after 25 kilometres when he had to stop to fix a puncture. “It took me about 20 minutes of hard riding to catch up again. Luckily I still had enough left in my legs to take the king of the mountains prime, but as luck would have it, I started to cramp during the last 20 kilometres.”

Mariske Strauss (Contego/Giant) won the women’s marathon in 3:49:58. Jennie Stenerhage was second in 3:51:05 and Robyn de Groot third in 3:51:06.

4. Nico Bell                 04:54:43

The seven-time Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour winner and eight-time national road champion will take on the three-day race from Underberg to Scottburgh alongside another converted dirt roadie Gary Marescia.

Riding in the colours of Aca Joe, for whom she is a brand ambassador, Schoeman said she was excited to fulfil a long-held ambition.

“I’ve seriously been wanting to do sani2c since I got my mountain bike at the end of last year. I tried to get an entry but was too late, so I was thrilled when I got the news.

“There are lots of stage races but I’ve always wanted to do sani2c because it’s such an awesome event and every seasoned mountain biker raves about it, so I thought I’d put it on my bucket list. I can’t wait to experience it myself.”

When asked whether she would be aiming for a podium finish, the five-time 94.7 Cycle Challenge winner said she would be using the event to sharpen her off-road skills.

“I think because this is my first mountain bike stage race I will just aim to learn from Gary and enjoy it. But my competitive nature might kick in at some point and it could turn into a race!”

Schoeman, who has represented South Africa at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, said she enjoyed the thrill of mountain biking but still had much to learn.

“I kind of enjoy crazy descents but my ‘let’s go down this hill as fast as possible and see what happens’ attitude doesn’t really count as a skill.”

The Port Elizabeth resident said she found the discipline a very different challenge to road racing, which involves bunch-oriented riding.

“In mountain biking there is absolutely no place to hide. You have to be physically strong and never get to rest or hide in the peloton.

“I quite enjoy pushing myself, but I must admit mountain biking requires a lot of mental toughness and patience, as you go much slower than on a road bike and half the distance might take twice as long.”

Unlike other roadies who have successfully made the transition, the 35-year-old said her participation did not represent a career segue into off-road racing.

“I don’t think I will ever fully convert to mountain biking but I must admit it’s a lot of fun and the change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air.”

The 2013 edition of Nedbank sani2c, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, features the world-first 360Life floating bridge, which will see participants ride out onto the Indian Ocean en route to the finish at Scottburgh’s main beach.

Schoeman will join 4 500 other riders across the Trail (May 14 to 16), Adventure (May 15 to 17) and Race (May 16 to 18) components.

The FedGroup-Itec riders completed the 910km journey from Heidelberg in Gauteng to the KwaZulu-Natal south coast in 34:11:05, taking four stage wins in the process.

They finished 11 minutes clear of MacDonald’s former team-mate Waylon Woolcock, with whom he won the 2011 event, and Lourens Luus of RE:CM (34:22:21).

Woolcock and Luus, who had been trailing by four-and-a-half minutes at the start of the 86km final stage, suffered mechanical problems that put paid to their title chances.

Bridge duo Timo Cooper and Nico Pfitzenmaier, who completed the final stage sixth in 3:12:29, rounded out the podium with an aggregate time of 35:02:57.

First on the final day was the Contego pairing of Louis-Bresler Knipe and Belgian team-mate Kevin van Hoovels, who powered their way along the edge of the Indian Ocean to claim their third stage win in 3:02:09.

They finished a respectable seventh overall in 36:33:50 after dropping out of contention in the earlier stages due to illness.

MacDonald and Stewart finished the ninth stage second in 3:02:44, with Woolcock and Luus following them home in 3:09:37.

The leaders, driven by Van Hoovels, had set a blistering pace throughout the stage that descended through the sugarcane fields towards the beach.

Despite this, the top contenders were all together at the first waterpoint around 39km after the start at Jolivet in the Highflats region.

Then, 6km further on, Woolcock suffered a chain break, which forced RE:CM to chase hard as Contego, FedGroup-Itec and Bridge forged ahead.

On the steep Work to be Done climb in the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, Contego and FedGroup-Itec pulled clear and stayed away to the finish.

MacDonald, who was also runner-up last year alongside Woolcock, said the race held a very special place in his heart.

“Coming into a new team and getting the results that I have this season, you don’t get that often. So I’m very happy with the way things have turned out.”

An emotional Stewart said it was one of the biggest wins of his career. “I don’t think people realise how much you have to fight in your everyday life for this, but I’m very chuffed.”

Erik Kleinhans received a fitting birthday present when he and his Swiss wife Ariane finished the trek in 36:38:55 to take the mixed category win for a third year in a row and eighth overall.

The on-form RE:CM duo crossed the line first in 3:17:08 to put the seal on an unbroken series of stage wins en route to victory.

British rider Catherine Williamson and partner Jarryd Haley of bizhub-Rocky Mountain finished second in 3:20:37 to take the overall runner-up spot in 37:08:54.

Fischer-BMC’s Jane Nüssli and Yves Corminboeuf followed them home in 3:24:42 to complete the mixed podium in 37:36:26.

Two-time Absa Cape Epic mixed champion Erik said the competition had been fantastic.

“I can’t believe the mixed racing has been so close. Our bodies were quite tired, so we had to dig a little deeper than we’re used to.”

Two-time women’s race champion Ischen Stopforth, riding with former mixed category winner Yolande de Villiers, added another title in 39:12:56. Riding in the colours of joBerg2c, they took their fifth stage win in 3:32:48.

They were followed home by the Burry Stander Foundation team of Cherise Stander and Lise Olivier in 3:49:01 (40:04:46) and USN-bizhub’s Yolandi du Toit and Nicci Grobler in 4:05:00 (40:57:03).

Stopforth said the race was getting tougher every year. “It’s really nice to see the ladies upping their game.”

Visit www.joberg2c.co.za or follow the race on Facebook or @joberg2c_journo

The men’s podium finishers in this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race are, from left, runners-up Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus (RE:CM), winners Neil MacDonald and Brandon Stewart (FedGroup-Itec) and third-placed Timo Cooper and Nico Pfitzenmaier (Bridge). The nine-day race finished at Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. Photo: Cycho Media

The women’s podium finishers in this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race are, from left, third-placed Nicci Grobler and Yolandi du Toit (USN-bizhub), runners-up Cherise Stander and Lise Olivier (Burry Stander Foundation) and winners Ischen Stopforth and Yolande de Villiers (joBerg2c Ladies). The nine-day race finished at Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. Photo: Cycho Media

The mixed category podium finishers in this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race are, from left, runners-up Catherine Williamson and Jarryd Haley (bizhub-Rocky Mountain), winners Ariane and Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) and third-placed Jane Nüssli and Yves Corminboeuf (Fischer-BMC). They are pictured here with Robert Mafuna, Old Mutual’s head of sponsorships and events The nine-day race finished at Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday. Photo: Cycho Media

RESULTS

Stage 9

Men: 1. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Kevin van Hoovels (Contego) 3:02:09; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 3:09:37; 3. Waylon Woolcock & J3

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Yolande de Villiers (joBerg2c Ladies) 3:32:48; 2. Cherise Stander & Lise Olivier (Burry Stander Foundation) 3:49:01; 3. Yolandi du Toit & Nicci Grobler (USN-bizhub) 4:05:00

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 3:17:08; 2. Catherine Williamson & Jarryd Haley (bizhub-Rocky Mountain) 3:20:37; 3. Jane Nüssli & Yves Corminboeuf (Fischer-BMC) 3:24:42

Overall

Men: 1. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 34:11:05; 2. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 34:22:21; 3. Nico Pfitzenmaier & Timo Cooper (Bridge) 35:02:57

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Yolande de Villiers (joBerg2c Ladies) 39:12:56; 2. Cherise Stander & Lise Olivier (Burry Stander Foundation) 40:04:46; 3. Yolandi du Toit & Nicci Grobler (USN-bizhub) 40:57:03

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 36:38:55; 2. Catherine Williamson & Jarryd Haley (bizhub-Rocky Mountain) 37:08:54; 3. Jane Nüssli & Yves Corminboeuf (Fischer-BMC) 37:36:26

Keey’s success in the MTN series can be ascribed to his consistency.  He was victorious in Sabie and Tulbagh and finished third in Barberton.

The 21-year-old Lourens Luus (RE:CM) is second with 10 815 points.  He is followed by Waylon Woolcock with 10 647 points, Nico Bell (Westvaal/Bell Cycles) with 9758 points and Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) with 9755 points.

Max Knox (Specialized/EAI Solutions), last year’s MTN Series winner, is currently in 8th  position with 7717 points.  It should be remembered, however, that Knox did not compete at Tulbagh.

When asked what he considers to be the highlight of his season, Keey did not hesitate to say that it was his victory at Sabie.

“Winning the Sabie Race of the Marathon World Series was really very special.  It was the first race of the season and my victory put me, tied with the Olympic Champion Jaroslav Kulhavy, in first place on the UCI World Rankings.

“Although I did not achieve everything that I wanted to during this year’s Cape Epic, it was the first time that I was able to race right up there at the sharp end, with the best riders in the world, without being physically outclassed.  This experienced boosted my confidence and made me adjust my goals for the future.”

Keey was always considered to be talented but, until recently, he has not really risen to the occasion.

“I think I have surprised many people but, actually, my cycling abilities have been building up for a couple of years.

“I have felt for a long time that I was not achieving my full potential.  It was crucial that I surrounded myself with people who believed in me and helped me to achieve my goals.

“I always had great form when I competed in the MTN Series. Unfortunately, I struggled to convert my good form into good results at times when it really mattered. There were various reasons for this.

“In 2012 I raced almost the full calendar, but I also had to concentrate on my studies. I actually surprised myself by winning about 15 races, including stages in Sani2C and the Karoo to Coast.

“This season I teamed up with Darren Lill.  Because he is a former SA Champion on the road, I didn’t want to let him down.  Maybe this is why I was a bit more focused than before.

“More self-confidence, as well as proper coaching, also helped me to achieve my most successful season so far.”

Who is your coach at the moment?

“I have been working with Dr Jeroen Swart since about September last year and have been very happy with the results.

“Apart from coaching me, he has also helped to improve my confidence when I am on the bike.  He knows what numbers you need to do to win.  If you are able to hit your targets when going into a race, it puts you in a more positive mind-set.”

“As far as long-term goals are concerned, I will have to sit down some time to reassess where I want to go in mountain biking and what will be achievable.

“If I should ever get an opportunity to race on the road in Europe at the top level, I would definitely consider it. On the other hand, our local mountain-biking marathon scene is really world class.”

Do you have any interesting hobbies that help you to relax when you are not cycling?

If I have time, I like to do some gardening.  When not completely exhausted by my training programme, I occasionally go for a walk in the mountain.”

The three-day race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, will see 4 500 riders pedal 200 metres into the Indian Ocean before crossing the finish line on the town’s main beach.

According to organiser Glen Haw, the Candock system marked the culmination of a series of world-first floating bridges, which included the introduction of the first ever stillwater bridge in a stage race in 2007.

“We have wanted to build a floating bridge out to sea for a number of years,” said Haw.

“Initially, we came up with a cumbersome system that required barges and a tug boat. The cost literally blew that idea out of the water.”

He said the modular system, which was traditionally used for floating docks and pontoons, had provided a cost-effective and workable solution.

Constructed from blow-moulded, high-density polyethylene plastic, the 1.5-metre wide nautical system was known for its stability, high load capacity and anti-skid surface, said Haw.

“Riders will effectively complete the final kilometre of the 260-kilometre route on water.”

The bridge includes 600 metres of lagoon riding before competitors cross the sand and take to the waves for the final 200-metre stretch.

“It will be a huge climax, after an already fantastic experience, for all our riders across the Race, Trail and Adventure events.

“It’s something you just can’t miss. Riding a breaking wave on a bicycle is a massive adrenalin rush that makes any other type of wave surfing look boring.”

Nedbank sani2c organiser Glen Haw tests out the new Nedbank 360Life bridge, which riders will cross on day three of the mountain bike stage race en route to the finish line at Scottburgh. The event starts in Underberg on May 14. Photo: Supplied

He said lifeguards would be on hand to ensure the safety of participants.

“This is not going to be a straightforward bridge – it’s filled with challenges, ups and downs, and twists and turns. There’s a very narrow margin for error.”

Haw said creating talking points such as this was an essential ingredient in building excitement around the world’s largest fully serviced stage race.

“People say we’re a little nuts but they said the same thing when we brought in our first steel-and-pipe floating bridge over the Mossbank Dam (on the first stage) seven years ago.”

The 80-metre curved floating bridge now is the highlight of day one, while the floating cable bridge over the Umkomaas River is a challenging feature on stage two.

Nedbank’s insurance executive Lance Blumeris said the bridge was an extension of the Nedbank Green Mile initiative.

“Riding the lagoon and sea provides a fitting end to the journey. By combining arguably the longest floating bridge and a world-first cycle on the ocean, we trust riders will appreciate the best of nature and innovation combined.”

The Nedbank sani2c Trail starts in Underberg on May 14, with the Race and Adventure following at one-day intervals.