Thousands of eager mountain bikers converged on the Karkloof valley to participate in one of the country’s most prestigious races – the Sappi Karkloof Classic. The second race in the annual Quattro ROAG Series attracted a large field of riders, including some high profile names.
Despite wet and muddy weather conditions after two days of non-stop rainfall, committed riders outdid themselves on the legendary course.
Brendon Davids took the win in the 60km feature race over Rourke Croeser and Travis Walker. Jeannie Dreyer claimed the women’s race, beating Ashleigh Moffatt and Yolandi du Toit across the finish line.
Brendon Davids takes the win in the 60km race – Photo: Anthony Grote / Gameplan Media
Event Organiser Stu Berry said the Sappi Karkloof Classic had it all – a huge pre-entry field; rain; wind; mud; cold; sun; clouds; and sunburn!
“It’s not often you get all that in one mountain bike experience! Firstly, congrats to the majority of the pre-entry field for turning out over the weekend. It certainly wasn’t the easiest of conditions, but it was an adventure,” Berry said.
The weekend kicked off with the PERI Night Race on Friday, and was followed with the STIHL Karkloof Enduro on Saturday. Both races were staged in difficult conditions after the two days of torrential rain. Over 2 500 entries made their way to the Karkloof valley on Sunday to take part in the main events.
The aQuelle 40km half marathon was claimed by Wade Finch, who took a comfortable win over Dani Jensen and James Damant.
The new edition to the 2013 ROAG Team, 12-year-old Aaron Michell took the overall win in the 20km race, while teammate Tanner Quinn finished fourth in the Sub-Junior category.
Currently leading the Quattro ROAG Series overall is Tyron Bird and Jeannie Dreyer, both of whom stand in line to win big prize money of R20 000.
Business Manager for ROAG, Nicole Talbot said that the competition is really starting to heat up in this year’s edition of the Quattro ROAG Series.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of the riders showing up at each event in the Series to secure their points. From the Nippers to the Grandmasters, they’re really making this year one to watch!”
The next race in the Quattro ROAG Series is the Compendium MTB Derby on May, 26 at the Shongweni Polo Club.
For more information on the Quattro ROAG Series, visit www.roagseries.co.za
