Kruger and Lennard claim Fedhealth MTB Challenge

Mountain bikers were treated to amazing weather, superb mountain bike trails and magnificent views at the 3rd annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge at Boschendal Wine Estate on Sunday, 17 September 2017.

With three events to choose from (a +-60km/Marathon; a +- 28km/Half Marathon and a 15km Fun Race), plenty of mountain biking challenges, heaps of family fun and a scenic day out of the city, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge catered for all levels of mountain bikers.

BCX riders HB Kruger and Waylon Woolcock took the 60km/Marathon in their stride crossing the finish line in a comfortable first and second place position respectively in 02 hours 51 minutes.

Waylon Woolcock and HB Kruger. Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

“The Fedhealth MTB Challenge is on our doorstep and is organised by a local event organiser that always puts on a good show. Entering was a no brainer,” says Woolcock. “HB and I didn’t have any real strategy beforehand. We wanted to use the event as training for the remainder of the season. Boschendal Wine Estate is such an awesome venue. The route was tough, which is typical of the Banhoek Valley. We really enjoyed the race.”

HB Kruger made his Fedhealth MTB Challenge debut on the day. “The event was awesome. I train a lot in this area and was really looking forward to the race. The single track was absolutely amazing. It was special to be able to ride with Waylon all the way, this being a one-day event. I’m actually a Fedhealth member. It’s awesome to see Fedhealth giving back to the sport that I love so much.” Jurgens Uys claimed the final spot on the podium in the 60km/Marathon.

Katie Lennard obliterated the field in the women’s 60km/Marathon crossing the finish line first in 03 hours 24 minutes 55 seconds. “It was just an awesome day on route, perfect weather and cool trails,” says Lennard. “I love racing at Boschendal Wine Estate. The idea is always to win. I went out steady and then cranked up the pace. I love the new venue. It was definitely a great move. Although the route was tough, the amazing single track distracted me from the pain.” Louise Ferreira came in second, while Courteney Webb finished third.

Katie Lennard. Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg.

Jamie Penfold was the rider to beat in the men’s +- 28km/Half Marathon with a winning time of 01 hour 18 minutes 05 seconds. Daniel Van Der Walt came in second, while Sven Swart finished third.

Stefke Tolmay was the first woman home in the +- 28km/Half Marathon, her winning time was 01 hour 38 minutes 42 seconds. Michaela Beaton came in second, while Nienke Mostert finished third.

Hendre De Villiers’ finish time of 36 minutes 33 seconds secured him the top spot on the podium in the men’s 15km Fun Race. Philip George Van Schalkwyk came in second, while Alec Coleske finished third.

Olivia Penfold completed the 15km Fun Race in 38 minutes 06 seconds. Kayleigh Scholtz came in second, while Amelie Owens finished third.

Says Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth Principal Officer: “Our third event and first Fedhealth MTB Challenge at Boschendal Wine Estate has been a huge success, with our participants really shaking it up on the new trails. Thank you for all the riders who joined us – we trust you smashed your personal bests and that you got to relax with your families as well. Being active and healthy is really important to the Fedhealth family, which is why we look forward to hosting many more of these events in future. See you next year!”