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.

Gauteng Mountain Bike Commissioner Wendell Bole and his team have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the trails meet the standards of the national cup series race. “This is a proper cross-country (XCO) course with a little bit of everything,” said Bole. “And the team has been working hard to build a downhill course of a high standard from scratch.”

Mariske Strauss (Team Contego 28E) showed total dominance in the Pro-elite category at round 2 of the Cycling SA-MTB National Cup Series in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo Credit: Mylene Loumeau/Cycling SA

The XCO trail is 5,2 kilometre in length with an elevation of 130 metres per lap and incorporates single track, dual track, winding trails in the woods and rock gardens. The loop will not only test the riders’ fitness but their skill strengths as well.

The downhill course measures 1,2 kilometres and it should take the competitors roughly over two minutes to complete. The first half is technical, and there is a speedier section towards the middle of the run. Then riders will encounter more technical elements and rock gardens as they near the finish line. The route also includes berms, gap jumps and drop offs.

Spectators are welcome to attend. Out of town competitors can visit www.gautengmtb.co.za and the “MTB Gauteng” Facebook page for a list of accommodation options.

Online pre-entries close at midnight on Wednesday 22 May, so enter now: http://csams.cyclingsa.com/enter-an-event/mtb/sa-mtb-national-xcodhi-cup-series-3.aspx

Late entries will be accepted at registration on Friday 24 May (09:00-16:00 for XCO and DHI) and Saturday 25 May (09:00-14:00 for DHI only).

Adriaan Smit in the downhill event at round 2 of the Cycling SA-MTB National Cup Series in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo Credit: Mylene Loumeau/Cycling SA

The SA XCO and DHI Series gives riders around the country the opportunity to compete against one another in these disciplines, and provides SA Mountain Biking the chance to see the best of the best in action, and how they handle the competition on the different courses in varying conditions. This process assists SA MTB in selecting the best possible team to represent SA at the UCI MTB World Championships.

Entry Info:
Date: 25-26 May 2013
Province: Gauteng
Location: Thaba Trails
Entries Close: 22 May 2013
Starting Time: 08:00
Registration: 24 May 09:00-16:00 XCO & DHI / 25 May 09:00-14:00 DHI only

Click here to enter

Click here for the XCO Route Map

Click here for the XCO Route Profile

For any further info, contact Wendell Bole on 082 900 0749 bole@icon.co.za or Dellah Paul on 082 781 5656 dellah@cyclingsa.com.

“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

Saturday morning started with a 6am trip down the road to Stor-age in Roeland street to collect my race wheels for the day, thank goodness for their 24hr access. It was then onto Diemersfontein wine estate, known for its tranquil beauty, and more importantly its amazing pinotage. The riders were greeted with amazing weather, a sightly chilly start but otherwise ideal conditions to race in.

The start was frantic as usual, with the first 10km being predominantly up hill. I managed to stay in the front bunch of ten or so riders until the first very steep, lung-busting climb where a couple of us fell off.  In the frantic chase back that followed, two of us missed a turn and headed off into some vineyards. Although a beautiful detour still a kilometer or 2 that would cost us dearly.

After having a  few select words with myself, I settled into a comfortable yet solid pace and ticked off the kilometers. Riding alone for most of the race was a treat, its not often that you get to ride down single track in a race environment with nobody around. And, the single track was sublime, kilometer upon kilometer of  manicured trails kept me highly entertained. I managed to claw my way back to 16th place overall, and first subvet for the 75km route.

It was great to be out racing again, its been too long since I have suffered properly.  Next up is the Western Province XCO champs on 1 June at The Slammer track (Durbanville), cant wait.

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.

According to Michael Meyer, W2W Director, the W2W MTB events are sure to continue growing in popularity with First National Bank onboard as the title sponsor.  “The FNB Wines2Whales celebrates its 5^th anniversary this year.  The second largest mountain biking stage race in the country, entries for the FNB W2W MTB Adventure and Race have sold out in record times for the past three years.  We are excited and look forward to continuing this trend with First National Bank as our title sponsor,” says Meyer.

“To have one of South Africa’s strongest companies supporting the W2W is a dream come true for the entire W2W team,” continues Meyer.  “We are confident that with the strong support of FNB, the portfolio of W2W events will reach new heights and riders participating will continue to experience a mountain biking adventure second to none”.

In addition the organizers of the FNB W2W are proud to announce the introduction of a third W2W event, the FNB W2W Ride from 04 – 06 November 2013.  Entries will open on Thursday, 13 May 2013 for both the waiting list and public entries.

“The W2W Ride will be similar to the W2W Adventure in that it will be more relaxed than the W2W Race.  The route, race village, entertainment and support services remain the same for all three events.  Irrespective of the event entered, riders can look forward to the complete FNB Wines2Whales MTB experience,” says Meyer.

Event Information:

Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, riders will cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!

·                  FNB WINES2WHALES MTB ADVENTURE:  Friday, 01 November 2013 until Sunday, 03 November 2013  

·                  NEW EVENT:  FNB WINES2WHALES MTB RIDE:  Monday, 04 November 2013 until Wednesday, 06

·                  FNB WINES2WHALES MTB RACE:  Friday, 08 November 2013 until Sunday, 10 November 2013

STAGE ONE:   

Distance:        70km

Start:                               Lourensford Wine Estate (Somerset West)

Finish:                             Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin)

STAGE TWO: 

    Distance:        70km

Start:                               Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin)

Finish:                             Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin)

STAGE THREE: 

    Distance:        75km

Start:                                Oak Valley Sport Field (Elgin)

Finish:                              Onrus Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus)