The 2016 Eurosteel Drak Descent MTB Challenge proved to be all that the organisers promised it to be. While the distances were not too big – 50km and 40 km respectively – the first stage race on the 2016 MTB calendar proved to be a surprisingly technical challenge and a great fitness checker so early in the season. As Andrew Hill said, “the event, being so early in the season provided a good platform to push the body out of the comfort zone and into a place last visited late in 2015. The additional stage race factor really was another alluring feature I liked about the event.” The race was 90% rideable for 90% of the riders and traversed the most stunning single track on offer, anywhere, period! Many of the competitors have described the event as the most beautiful that they have ever done! Imagine cycling along eland and cattle paths, down a steep sided valley, along the uMzimkulu River and its tributaries, with water so clean and pure that you could drink from it. In addition there is an array of bridges, of varying length, affording lovely views of canoeists paddling below you as they splash their way along the annual N3TC Drak Challenge canoe race! The Spoors Team and many in the Underberg Community worked furiously on the Drak Descent route for 2016, including new single track that challenged and thrilled the most widely travelled cyclist. This was real Mountain Biking traversing terrain that is spectacular and challenging, running through areas that are untouched and offer what has been described by many as “South African MTB’s best kept secret!” Not only do you get the opportunity to cycle in the pristine Southern Drakensberg, World Heritage Site, but your entry also gets you to contribute to allowing others to enjoy what you have. The Spoors Team donates to various charities in the area such as the Restmount Children’s Home, Sister Abegail Ntleko’s Orphanage and also provides employment for locals that would otherwise not have any work at all – one grade 12 student even worked on tracks in order to pay towards his first year University Fees! “I am sure that the Drak Descent has already gained the reputation of being a mountain bike event that is tough and technical. You must not change this. It is what will set your event apart from the many others out there. Although the route is technical it is almost all rideable, you just have to be strong enough. Your event will challenge mountain bikers across the country. Just as the Drak canoe marathon is known for its’ technical nature, so too will the mountain bike event be the same. I really don’t think that I have ever ridden any mountain bike event, anywhere in the country that is as challenging technically. Many events have short technical sections but the Drak Descent challenges one fully throughout the 2 days. I see your route becoming more of an attraction to the Underberg community than the uMzimkhulu River in years to come.” Farmer Glen Haw On Day 1, Brendon Davids, Andrew Warr, Ty White and Andrew Hill were tied in first position, this was as a result of a wonderful gesture of good sportsmanship. According to Andrew Hill, they “traded a couple of blows in the form of attacks but neither team could stay away for long enough to take the line honours. In the final 2kms we reached a point where the bunting had been broken and we had two choices, it was decided that we would ride in the general direction of the finish line and cross the line together for a tie where neither team would be 1st or 2nd. The sportsmanship was well received and we had time to reflect on the amazing trails ridden on day one.” Frankie du Toit and Hayley Smith were in a commanding position from the word go and finished in first place, 7 minutes ahead of the 2nd place ladies. Siyabonga Njiva put in a formidable solo performance to finish just inside the top 10 on Day 1 in a time of 2:07:19. Day 2 turned out to be a perfect day, even after the heavy rain in the evening which had created some interesting single track, ranging from muddy to moist and even washing it away in sections. After a very quick start, which succeeded in catching the rest of the field off guard, Brendon Davids and Andrew Warr of the Kargo Pro MTB Team, as well as Andrew Hill and Ty White formed another formidable breakaway. Their pace was electrifying and relentless, with both teams pushing themselves to their limits. Ty White and Andrew Hill managed to open up a 15 second gap over the Kargo Pro Riders, Brendon Davids and Andrew Warr. Unfortunately, into the final 2 Km, Hill and White missed a turn and had to backtrack, negating their hard-earned lead. This took the race to an exciting sprint finish for the overall win, with Brendon Davids and Andrew Warr taking the honours as first team to break the tape. After a commanding start, the Kargo Pro MTB Lady’s Team of Frankie du Toit and Hayley Smith finished in first place, 15 minutes ahead of the 2nd place ladies. A huge thank you must go out to the Underberg Community that assisted with this event, without everyone pulling together, the event would not take place and the comments would be far less flattering!
