Spectators were treated to a nail biting sprint finish at the Onrus Caravan Park (just outside Hermanus) on Sunday, 03 November 2013 when Team Pendale’s, Ian Franken and Andrew McPherson were seen battling it out with Team Infocus Racing’s, Owen Green and Donovan Le Cok.
Stage 3 // Image credit: Cherie Vale NEWSPORT MEDIA
Although crossing the finish line 26 seconds ahead of Team Infocus Racing on Day Three, Team Pendale’s combined finishing time for Stages 1 – 3 secured them an overall 2nd place on the podium at the end of the 2013 FNB W2W MTB Adventure.
According to Owen Green, Team Infocus Racing, the event was definitely worth his trip down from Zambia. “Stage One was muddy, but rideable. Stage Two was a real mountain biker’s course, while Stage Three was a nice way to finish the event. Ian and Andrew kept us on our toes the entire time. We’d start out faster than them, but they’d always catch us so we were always looking over our shoulders. The FNB W2W MTB Adventure is tough, but very enjoyable and rewarding. You start in the vineyards and finish at the sea. I’ll definitely be back next year”. Team Infocus Racing completed all three days of racing in a combined time of 11 hours 45 minutes 19 seconds. Team Pendale’s Ian Franken and Andrew McPherson placed second, while Team Steve’s Cragg’s Robert Cragg and Steven Hirst finished third.
Karyn Southgate and Samantha Harrington of Team Bolle Babes claimed gold completing the three stages of the 2013 FNB W2W MTB Adventure in a combined time of 13 hours 41 minutes 08 seconds. “Today was beautiful,” said a very happy Southgate. “It is clear that a lot of effort has been put into building the FNB W2W MTB routes. The event has been amazing and has definitely lived up to my expectations. I’ll be recommending it to all my friends”. Team Tag Team’s Miriam Stronkhorst and Caren Mills placed second, while Team JK’s Carolyn Arnazold and Jaci Nutman finished third.
Donovan Le Cok in action during Stage 3 // Image credit: Cherie Vale / NEWSPORT MEDIA
Team TFG’s Coenie Thomas and Lolita Van Aardt were victorious in the mixed team category of the 2013 FNB W2W MTB Adventure completing the three days of racing in a combined time of 13hours46minutes56seconds. Team Eagles Cliff Wine’s Christiaan Groenewald and Gina Stewart placed second, while Team GoPro’s Kevin Goodspeed and Dominique Provoyeur finished third.
EVENT SUMMARY:
Just over 1250 mountain biking enthusiasts toed the line to be part of the 2013 FNB W2W MTB Adventure. Starting in the Winelands of Somerset West, teams of two riders (male/female/mixed) had three days to cross through (and over) 13 wineries, 26 private farms, six mountains, historic roads and mountain passes, nature conservation areas (including the Kogelberg Biosphere) before finishing within sight of the famous whales of Hermanus!
Video Highlights:
Great vids. Great memories. Thx!