At last WC DH riders got to race the Vuurberg track again. Shuttle days are one thing, but a timed race run allows one to measure one’s growth as a rider or simply to create a platform for some serious jesting amongst mates and long-time riding buddies. On the day, the wind dropped and the weather was cool…providing the perfect riding conditions. Shuttle vehicles were in abundance and so no queuing or waiting was ever experienced. WC DH’s own 10-seater trailer has proved a real asset to the club. (We rent it out at R500.00 a day.) Our regular medical crew, Tygress, were on hand, but fortunately, not really needed.
The Vuurberg track starts off with some classic Cape Town tight corners which are always tricky to hit when hurtling down the mountain. A tricky rock garden follows which could easily catch one off-guard if you weren’t fully focused. The fast middle section leads to some flowy, bike-park corners and jumps. The lower segment of the course offers a technical section to ensure concentration right to the very end.
The Vuurberg track starts off with some classic Cape Town tight corners which are always tricky to hit when hurtling down the mountain. A tricky rock garden follows which could easily catch one off-guard if you weren’t fully focused. The fast middle section leads to some flowy, bike-park corners and jumps. The lower segment of the course offers a technical section to ensure concentration right to the very end.
Theo Erlangsen 1st. Photo credit: Elroy Vice.
Nico Velasco 2nd. Photo credit: Elroy Vice.
Duran van Eeden 5th. Photo credit: Elroy Vice.
The final race of the season, however, belonged to the top 10 Cape Town riders, who always provide the spectators with an exhilarating performance. Elite man, Theo Erlangsen (1:49:640), SA Champ, WC Series winner and now, WC Champion, shredded the track with a 4 second lead over his next rival, Nico Velasco (1:53:676) both men riding Commencal bikes. Nico has had a very successful 2019 racing year, consistently gracing the podium, testing and challenging the old-guard. Local Youth Man, Ike Klaasen (1:55:198) really excelled at Vuurberg, taking third place overall and 1st place in the Youth Men, on his home track. Another consistent, top rider this year was Jason du Toit (1:58:279), who placed 4th overall. Our all-time favourite, shirtless rusta, track builder and all-time-really-nice-guy, Duran van Eeden (1:58:475), reminded us that he will always be a strong contender with his 5th place overall.
Three seconds behind, and hot on Duran’s heels, was sixth placed overall rider and 1st placed Sub-Vet, Martin Zietsman (2:01:841) proving that riding skills can improve after 30 years. Five seconds behind Martin, and first in his category, was Junior Boy, Dawid Bekker (2:06:487) who placed seventh overall. Dawid is such an exciting rider, promising massive potential for WC DH in the near future. Junior Man, Matthew van Rosenveld, placed first in the Junior Men and 8th overall. KwaZulu Natal’s Mitchell Lolliot claimed 9th overall and Chris Nixon, WC DH’s pride, chairman and old-ballie …representing the Master Men, once again, whipped the youngsters into touch, with a 10th overall.
Ike Klaasen 3rd. Photo credit: Conrad Swannepoel.
This season has provided its fair share of ding-dong battles and closely contested racing and this race was no different. In the Nipper Boys class, Jack Schliemann and Heiko Basson (02.54.147) were separated by one second! In the Sub Junior boys Hendre de Villiers (2:10.487) has relentlessly perused class champion, Dawid Bekker. Although series winner and SA Champ, Jasper Barrett, missed this race, it allowed long-time rival, Matthew van Rosenveld to take the title WC Champion in his class. We really need to grow our girls/ ladies numbers. Well done to all our women for competing in this male-dominated sport; Rika (Vet Women), Frankie and Jess (Elite Women), and Charlotte (Youth Women).
Full results available here.
This race would not be possible without our sponsors. A big shout out to SRAM for financial support and to the Freight Factory for supplying two 4X4’s. Much gratitude for Paarl Brewery, your contribution really added to the fun of the day. We are always open to sponsorships. Please chat to friends who would like to sponsor WC DH. We will make sure that they receive good value for their support.
Jason du Toit 4th. Photo credit: Conrad Swannepoel.
Reminder that the Bike Park in Tokai is hosting the WC DH Annual Colours Award evening on Friday 8th November at 18:00. We will also announce the 2019 WC DH Series winners but no medals or certificates will be awarded. It is a bring-and-braai, with the chance to just socialise while ‘some of us’ ride the bike park.
Our 2020 Series race calendar below, is how we would like to roll next year, however, nothing is ever set….we often need to make changes due to unforeseen events. Let’s have a big 1st race next January. Every rider is encouraged to bring a friend and introduce him/her to a life-time of fun in downhill. Attached is also a copy of a calendar including SA DH, XCO and Enduro…but again, it is only a provisional plan, subject to change.
