Event Report: The CCPP Group Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race 2021

Perfect weather and world class routes keep riders smiling in Plettenberg Bay.

KWANO Cycling Academy alumni, Anelisa Aries, wins the SCOTT SPARK RC 900 TEAM AXS bike worth over R100 000. Left Joggie Prinsloo / Scott Sports Africa, Anelisa Aries (Kwano Cycling Academy), Clint Cawood (CEO CCPP Group) and Leon Evans aka Dr Evil.

The 2021 edition of the CCPP Group Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race took place successfully over this Heritage long weekend. This boutique style stage race sold out with 250 riders on the start line at the beautiful Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve on Thursday 23rd September 2021. The arrival of Spring and the easing of restrictions on mass sports events combined to deliver perfect timing for the 9th edition of this iconic event.

Stage one was hard and hot with beautiful scenery and an idyllic start amongst the wildlife at the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. Riders felt the heat as they completed the 71km course that had 1400m of climbing.

Stage two kicked off at the grand Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate pavilion on Friday 24th and the weather was cooler and some fierce racing took place amongst the front runners. Most of the field, however, participated purely for fun and it was super to see people relaxing outdoors after 18 months of tough times due to Covid-19. “It was a great day out on the course, perfect weather and lots of smiling faces”, said CEO of The CCPP Group – Clint Cawood. Clint has ridden the event many times over the years and decided to come on board as the title partner in 2019.

Day three is known for its single track and spectacular ocean views as it traverses both indigenous forest sections and parts of the Robberg Coastal Corridor. Leon Evans aka as Dr Evil threw a curve ball for the riders and added a new section of single track the day before race day. This elevated the route and took racing to a new level and there were many happy faces as riders relaxed at the splendid Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm in perfect weather at the end of stage 3.

The event ended on a joyful high note thanks to the Pay It Forward lucky draw, compliments of Scott Sports Africa. Riders were encouraged to put their name in the lucky draw “hat” to stand a chance to win a magnificent – SCOTT SPARK RC 900 TEAM AXS bike worth over R100 000. The twist in the tale was that whoever won the bicycle, would need to give their current bicycle to a development rider. Over 100 people entered the draw and the name drawn on stage was none other than up and coming local development rider from the KWANO Cycling Academy, Anelisa Aries. Colin Shave, who is a manager at this Academy, was overjoyed as this also meant that Anelisa could give his bicycle, which was the best bicycle at the Academy to another development rider. This was a fitting end to a fantastic three days of riding in Plettenberg Bay.

Results:

Solo Ladies
1. Nicky Giliomee
2. Johanet Heymann
3. Amor Beyersbergen 

Solo Men

1. Grant Hall
2. Jaco Storm
3. Jaco Bosman

Ladies Team
1. Estie Potgieter & Rozaan Bekker 
2. Stella Snyman & Esta Van Wyk 
3. Karlien De Briun & Jayde Oates 

Mens Team
1. Francois Bosman & Ashley Marsh 
2. Kevin Evans & Neill Clarke 
3. Sipho Mthembu & Anelisa Aries 

Mix Team
1. Andrew & Andrea Can Blommenstein 
2. Patrick & Lianna Davidson 
3. Bradley & Magdell Woodward 

The entries for the 2022 edition of the event will open on 25th January 2022. Limited entries will be made available. 

Fast Facts: 2021 Dr Evil Classic

• Dates: 23 – 25 September 2021
• Location: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
• Stage 1: Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, 71km with 1 400m of climbing
• Stage 2: Kurland Hotel, 45km with 980m of climbing
• Stage 3: Cairnbrogie Farm, 51km with 800m of climbing
• Website: www.drevilclassic.com
• Facebook: Dr Evil Classic
• Instagram: @drevilclassic
• Twitter: @DrEvilClassic