Wellington trail feast for Trailseeker Series finale

This Saturday sees the culmination of the second annual Western Cape Nissan TrailSeeker Series and many will feel that it’s a best-for-last scenario with the event taking place in Wellington, a town that’s becoming as well known for its quality mountain biking trails as is it for its wine, brandy and fruit industries.

Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za

It’s only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, but at times, when riding the network of purpose-built Wellington trails in the shadow of the Bainskloof, you feel a million miles away from the city grind.

For many it will be a final competitive outing for 2017 and for some, it will be last shot at points to clinch a high finish in the series rankings. The previous rounds have each produced some exciting podium battles and Saturday’s event is expected to deliver more of the same. The Nissan Trailseeker Series also doubles as the Western Cape provincial marathon series, offering provincial colours to top achievers.

In the men’s marathon, Swiss racer, Konny Looser (BIXS), will line up as the early favourite. He won the FNB Wines2@Whales title on Sunday and has been hitting impressive form following his recovery from surgery to repair an artery in the middle of the year.

Looser is likely to find his biggest challenge coming from Team Telkom’s HB Kruger, who was runner-up at the Wines2Whales, with CP van Wyk, third at Round 3 sure to be in the podium mix too.

While for many it’s the final race of their season, for Adriaan Louw (Contego), it’s the final race of his professional career. He’s hungry to finish on a high note and will undoubtedly be a top 3 contender.

Justin Tuck’s series consistency (9th, 12th and 10th places) in the first three rounds sees him leading on points. He is sure to be on the start line in Wellington where he’ll be eager to complete the series with the highest number of points – as taken on the best three event results.

Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za

The women’s race sees Round 1 winner and Swedish national champion, Jennie Stenerhag, up against her Team Ascendis teammate, South African national champion, Robyn de Groot in what should be an exciting battle.

Katie Lennard, winner of Round 3 and the series leader, is unsure if she’ll start as she is nursing a broken thumb, while Tanja Oosthuyse, runner-up at Round 3, has been ill and will make a decision on Friday as to whether she’ll compete or not.

The marathon will cover a distance of 65km with 1748 metres of vertical gain. It will incorporate virtually all of the local trails for which the area has become revered for, while the half-marathon over 39km incorporates 730 metres of ascent. There is also a 20km Fun Race and a 10km Fun Ride.

The four events will all start and finish at Bosman Family Vineyards. As with all Nissan TrailSeeker events, the race venue will cater for all ages and offers supporters and spectators a comfortable, relaxed environment to enjoy while they wait for their mountain bikers to enjoy the trails.

Online entries can be done at www.trailseeker.co.za