One of South Africa’s largest one-day mountain bike events took place in Stellenbosch for the twelfth year on Sunday 30 July. Near perfect weather gave riders a warm winters day on the trails during the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge. Everyone from kids to experienced riders enjoyed six different routes around the town that covered more than 60 private farms.
In the 75km invitational race, Marco Joubert took the overall win in a time of 3 hours 9 minutes with Carmen Buchacher first in the ladies race. The 60km winner was young Stellenbosch rider, Rossouw Bekker, and Kate Slegrova in the ladies. Great reports from riders about this great family outdoor event were received and medals were proudly displayed on social media.
The finish carnival had a Spur kids area, massages, a beer tent, bikepark facility and various other stalls to browse. Families and friends could gather with food & drink and talk about their day on the bike before the prize giving and the lucky draw.
Medi-Clinic personnel treated only 31 patients in total at the van der Stel finish venue, of which one was sent to Mediclinic Stellenbosch by ambulance. Three other riders were advised to go to the hospital as well.
Various development riders were supported by the event which also contributed to the Simonsberg Conservancy and the local community that provided marshal services. Riders could get discounts at various restaurants and wineries all weekend and many stayed in local guesthouses to enjoy the hospitality.
“With much respect to our partner sponsors, we doubt if there is any bigger mountain bike event in the world without a title sponsor” said race director Meurant Botha. We would like to thank our partner at Adventure Shop, the local authorities, community, and everyone that supported the event this year.
For overall results of the other distances, 50km, 42km, 30km and 15km, visit the event Facebook page or see the provisional timed results on www.trailtag.co.za. Visit www.stellenboschmtbchallenge.co.za for more event info and queries.
The next Dirtopia event takes place in Caledon on the 19th and 20th of September: Staalwater MTB Challenge, but you can also enter the next Stellenbosch family funride on the 1st of October at Nooitgedacht Estate: Spur MTB Classic.
Contact Dirtopia Trail Centre & Bikeshop at info@dirtopia.co.za or 0218844752 for any enquiries.
