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Heading for his hat-trick of wins in the Sappi Scottburgh MTB race, Andrew Hill continued to put pressure on second placed Reinhard Zellhuber at the Sappi Scottburgh MTB and Trail Running Weekend on Sunday. Gavin Ryan/QuickPix/ Gameplan Media Hill (TIB Insurance) came into the race sizing up a hat-trick of wins, and had to come up with a plan to deal with that pressure and a strong men's field, some of whom had peaked for the SA Cross Country championships in Bloemfontein the day before the Scottburgh showdown. "It is hard to ride with all that pressure but then you just have to take the bull by the horns and just go for it." said Hill. With a dangerous men's field and a Scottburgh layout that had plenty of climbing and, true to its "raw and untamed" reputation could have derailed his hat-trick plans, Hill opted to make his move very early on in the race, contested in ideal weather and trail conditions. "I had to!" he explained. "There were such strong riders here that I had to put them all under pressure right from the beginning, so I climbed really hard early on and it worked because I got a bit of a gap. Hill knew that the two riders closest to him, Julian Jessop and Reinhard Zellhuber, had both raced at the SA XCO champs, though Zellhuber's race was cut short by a mechanical problem. Eventually, only Zellhuber (Garrun Group) could stay with Hill as he continued to pile on the pressure at the front. "It feels fantastic to claim the hat-trick of wins," said Hill. "It was an awesome day out on superb trails and in beautiful weather conditions, which makes it all the more special," he added. Hill was excited by the form of his iMana Wild Ride partner Warren Price who finished fourth, narrowly losing the dice for the last step on the podium to Pyga/Euro Steel rider Jessop. The top three men enjoying the ideal weather at Scottburgh for the Sappi Scottburgh MTB and Trail Running Weekend on Sunday, from left Reinhard Zellhuber, Andrew Hill and Julian Jessop. Gavin Ryan/QuickPix/ Gameplan Media Meanwhile Bianca Haw (Red Bull/Cannondale) came into the defence of her title on a high after winning the women's title at the XCO nationals in Bloemfontein on Saturday, and showed her class as she raced away unchallenged to win by five minutes. "I love this track so much and it is nice that I know it because it sort of feels like home," said Haw, a member of the host Scottburgh MTB club. Bianca Haw (Red Bull/Cannondale) drops down onto the pallets on the main beach at Scottburgh to claimed another women's MTB title at the Sappi Scottburgh MTB and Trail Running Weekend on Sunday. Gavin Ryan/QuickPix/Gameplan Media She said that she had relied on her boyfriend Andrew Houston to drive back from the Free state after winning her national XCO title on Saturday. "He was determined to do the race in Scottburgh so we had to make it back in time," she said. "Luckily the women's race in Bloem was done by midday so there was time for a quick shower and then into the car to Scottburgh," she added. "It is a great race to come back and win again because Flav (race organiser Flavia Scarpa) puts so much work into it, starting way before the KAP sani2c, and it shows," she said. Frances Janse Van Rensberg and Hayley Smith had to slug it out in a thrilling end-sprint for silver that Janse Van Rensberg won by the slimmest of margin. The top three women celebrate after the women's MTB race at the Sappi Scottburgh MTB and Trail Running Weekend on Sunday, from left Frances Janse Van Rensberg, Bianca Haw and Hayley Smith. Gavin Ryan/QuickPix/Gameplan Media The 28km race was won by Brent Richter in a ding-dong duel with Nicholas Burczak. The MTB races support the Cycling for Mobility charity that funds wheelchairs for patients that cannot afford them. The Funky Pants Trail Run on Saturday was also very well supported, as over 550 athletes took part in the weekend's trail running and MTB races. SUMMARY OF RESULTS Sappi Scottburgh MTB & Trail Running Weekend45km MTB 1.Andrew Hill 1:39:01 2.Reinhard Zellhuber 1:39:52 3.Julian Jessop 1:42:07 4.Warren Price 1:42:09 5.Brennan Anderson 1:44:00 6.Jordan Wisdom 1:44:16 7.Jedson Tooms 1:44:44 8.Trevor Rowe 1:44:57 9.Cayden Muldoon 1:46:01 10.Wessel Swanepoel 1:46:06 Women 1.Bianca Haw 1:53:09 2.Frances Janse Van Rensberg 1:58:12 3.Hayley Smith 1:58:12 4.Christie-Leigh Hearder 1:58:57 28km MTB 1.Brent Richter 1:14:31 2.Nicholas Burczak 1:41:31 3.Jordan Bold 1:18:43 4.Jonathan Watts 1:21:59 5.Rupert Taljaard 1:22:16

No fewer than six of the race’s eight previous crowns have gone the way of Ugu District competitors and Smith is eager to continue the trend in 2016. Kargo Pro Cycling Team's Hayley Smith will challenge for win number three at this Sunday's Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race on KZN's South Coast. Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media Victory in her own backyard this weekend would continue the party for Smith, already in a celebratory mood after Tuesday’s National Women’s Day also marked her 22nd birthday.“The Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race is always a well organised event and one I enjoy so I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s race,” says Smith. “I missed last year’s race as it fell on my 21st birthday so I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and taking part in an event that is not too far from home,” she adds. While she has spent precious little time on her local trails in recent times, Smith is still well familiar with the terrain. “I haven’t been able to ride on the South Coast that much recently as I’ve been focusing on a couple other events elsewhere in KZN but I finished second in 2011 and then won in 2013 and 2014 so the Scottburgh route is one I know well.” Already boasting the unusual record of being the event’s only multiple winner, Smith’s local trail knowledge and the confidence she brings into the clash after strong recent showings sees the Margate athlete eager to challenge for a record third Scottburgh title this Sunday. “My cousin, Darryn Purtell and I won the two-day Bitter-Sweet MTB Challenge stage race in Rocky Bay last year and the trails in Scottburgh will be quite similar to those I’m sure. “This past weekend I finished fifth at the Eston Marathon – a really hard race with lots of very good ladies on the line – so I’m feeling good at the moment and am most definitely keen to go for my third win this weekend! “The race in Scottburgh and then in Lynford will also be important events for me as I look to build towards the Hill2Hill in September.” The 2016 Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race is the third and 'sea' leg of the inaugural South Coast MTB Series and takes place on Sunday 14 August. More information can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottburgh-Mtb-Race/221420711386243.

The Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race provides riders with a unique experience and that is something that attracts riders like North Coast stalwart Russell White who will be back for another crack when the race gets underway on Sunday, 14 August. Supplied/ Gameplan Media “I know that it isn’t that far from Ballito to Scottburgh but it really feels like you are riding in a different province!" the father of pro rider Tyronne White said. “It’s a really different experience and Scottburgh is a completely unique race which is a large reason why we like to get away for the weekend and take part in the race every year. “I still ride as competitively as possible although I am getting a bit old but the event has a very distinct laid-back attitude which is important in attracting riders of all different abilities.” Riders will be congregating on the South Coast to take on the Scottburgh MTB Challenge’s well-maintained trails with the routes providing a quality test for the best to the most inexperienced riders. “The course is very ridable which is great but for the guys at the front of the race there are still a number of challenges. “Striking the balance between technical and manageable can be difficult but Scottburgh seems to have found a great median – the course is as tough as you make it for yourself. “Especially with such a chilled environment and attitude the race still maintains a competitive edge for those that want to test themselves but it doesn’t detract from the family vibe that surrounds the event,” added White. The pleasant South Coast winter weather attracts many inland visitors during the colder months and White suggests that the Scottburgh MTB Challenge is the perfect excuse to get down the sea for a weekend away. “I think I have done about five Scottburgh races and we try and make a weekend of it every year. A whole bunch of us book into the hotel and have a great weekend in different surroundings. “There is such a great feeling around the race with everyone hanging around on the Scottburgh main beach afterwards and enjoying having a bike race that is so unique in that if finishes right on the beach!” he commented. With five editions under his belt, White, whose son Tyronne won the race in 2014, has ridden races all around the country across varying terrains but appreciates the fact that there are so many good races around KwaZulu-Natal, Scottburgh included. “If you enjoy riding in a race you are going to make an effort to continue doing it and that is my attitude towards Scottburgh. It’s such a great race that has a little bit of everything for all the riders. “It’s one that we tick off the calendar every year now and I am excited to get back down there this year and give it another crack,” White stated expectantly. The 2016 Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race is third and 'sea' leg of the inaugural South Coast MTB Series and takes place on Sunday 14 August. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottburgh-Mtb-Race/221420711386243.

As Cycling 4 Mobility’s primary annual fundraiser, Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race organiser and Cycling 4 Mobility founder, Flavio Scarpa has implored cyclists the province over to submit their 45km Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race, 28km Dash & Splash and 10km Family Fun Ride entries ahead of Wednesday 10 August’s online entry deadline and play their part in empowering those in need. The Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race - the 2016 edition of which takes place on Sunday 14 August - is Cycling 4 Mobility's single biggest annual fundraiser outside of rare corporate contributions such as the R200 000 given to C4M founder, Flavio Scarpa (left) in 2014 by Old Mutual Foundation Head, Dr. Clarence Tshitereke (right). Supplied/ Gameplan Media “As cyclists, we always love a challenge however for someone with a disability – especially one that prevents you from being able to move around independently – every single day is a challenge,” says Scarpa. “Since Cycling 4 Mobility’s launch four years ago at the 2012 Old Mutual joBerg2c, we’ve purchased over 200 wheelchairs and given them to disabled people throughout the country, particularly along the joBerg2c route. “Our Scottburgh MTB Race title sponsors, Sappi have been incredible supporters of Cycling 4 Mobility since the beginning and we look forward to more corporates following suit and getting involved in our efforts in the future! “With the assistance of participants of this year’s Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race, we hope to again raise over R20 000 and make an immeasurable difference to the lives of those whom we’re able to help,” he adds. Several pre-2012 joBerg2c fund raisers saw the Cycling for Mobility crew raise over R20 000 before a cycling jersey auction together with contributions by Subaru, Old Mutual and various privateers during the race added another R60 000 to the cause. Upon the completion of the 2014 joBerg2c, Scarpa – on behalf of Cycling 4 Mobility – was presented with a cheque from Old Mutual for a whopping R200 000, paving the way for more than 130 wheelchairs to be purchased and distributed through XPS South Africa’s generous assistance. Flavio (left) and Jacqui Scarpa (centre) as well as Beth McLeod's Cycling 4 Mobility work of purchasing and distributing wheelchairs to those in need is made easier by corporate contributions such as the R200 000 they were presented with by Old Mutual Sponsorships & Events Manager, Bandile Mngoma in 2014, however the Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race remains the organisation's biggest annual fundraiser. Supplied/ Gameplan Media “In our first year, we managed to raise enough money to distribute four wheelchairs to each of the regions which hosted one of the joBerg2c’s overnight stops. “Old Mutual’s incredible contribution then allowed us to give out twenty wheelchairs in Johannesburg, 40 in the Free State, 20 in and around Scottburgh with the balance being distributed as and when cases have been presented to us since then. While Scarpa, his wife, Jacqui and Beth McLeod continue to provide assistance to as many people as possible with the provision of standard-issue wheelchairs, the Cycling 4 Mobility team are also aware of the unique challenges presented by the environment in which many of the grateful recipients live. “Going forward, it would be fantastic if we could be in a position to consider providing those who meet our basic criteria with specialised wheelchairs that are durable and robust enough to cope with the tough conditions of the rural areas they are used in,” explains Scarpa. “Beth, Jacqui and I are all very proud of the work we’ve done so far but continuing to help people in need and who have little other means of receiving assistance continues to motivate us to do more. “As we aim to achieve our Cycling 4 Mobility goals, the contribution the riders of the Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race make simply by taking part in the race each year really is hugely appreciated!” he adds. The 2016 Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race is third and 'sea' leg of the inaugural South Coast MTB Series and takes place on Sunday 14 August. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottburgh-Mtb-Race/221420711386243.

The launch of the five-race South Coast MTB Series earlier this year has seen a heightened interest in the region’s major cycling events and the series’ ‘sea’ leg again promises to offer participants a unique, coastal MTB experience as they soak up the magnificent winter weather. More broad smiles are set to be beamed on Sunday 14 August when the action from the 2016 edition of ever popular Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race, an event which doubles as the third and 'sea' leg of the the inaugural South Coast MTB Series, unfolds. Finish Line Photos/ Gameplan Media Organised by the Cycling for Mobility team, the Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race serves as the primary fund raiser for the organization that strives to purchase and distribute wheelchairs to disabled members of underprivileged communities in the area. Starting and finishing at Scottburgh’s picturesque Main Beach, all three of the event’s races – the 45km Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race, 28km Dash & Splash and the 10km Family Fun Ride – give riders a spectacular scenic cycling adventure as they wind their way through the region’s variety of terrains. From the single track through Sappi’s Canonbrae plantations, meandering jeep track through the region’s sugar cane, a brief trip through the South Coast landmark, Crocworld and finally, the much-anticipated final stretch across the sand, over the lagoon and up to the finish line on the grass bank. Routes also include some testing yet rewarding ascents totalling 800m of climbing together with some fast and furious downhill stretches as well as natural forest sections, switchbacks and some open district road riding. While much of the top class event competitors have come to expect and enjoy in recent years remains the same, organisers continue to tweak things – such as the addition of a bridge over a particularly troublesome gully – to ensure they continually raise the bar. Curiously, the event has never enjoyed a multiple men’s winner with the likes of Shaun Peschl and Andrew Warr (both Kargo Pro Cycling Team), Nic Porteous, the late Burry Stander, Evan van der Spuy, Tyronne White (PYGA Industries/Thule) and Brendon Davids (Trek SA) all having claimed just a solitary crown. An equally remarkable trend exists on the women’s front, with a South Coast local having claimed victory in six of the seven Scottburgh clashes to have been staged to date since the event's washed out debut in 2008. Hayley Smith (Kargo Pro Cycling Team) remains the race’s only multiple champion while the likes of Bianca Haw (Red Bull/Specialized), Cherise Stander, Brenda Potts and Candice Parker-Dennison have also claimed the ladies’ spoils previously. Over and above the 10km Family Fun Ride, the 2016 Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race also offers the family friendly Halfway Toyota Kids Zone, managed by teachers from the Umkomaas Pre-school, ensuring all members of the family can enjoy their dose of the South Coast’s fresh air and warm sunshine. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scottburgh-Mtb-Race/221420711386243.

The popular Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race is once again set to attract mountain bike enthusiasts from throughout KZN to the South Coast on Sunday 9 August. Darren Goddard/ Gameplan Media. As the public holiday looks to honour the history of women’s resistance in South Africa – particularly the efforts of the 20 000 women who marched to Pretoria’s Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in demonstration against the carrying of passes by women – the popular KZN South Coast mountain bike event is too set to recognise the contributions of the fairer sex. “We are extremely excited to include a few Women’s Day touches to this year’s Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race!” confirms race director Flavio Scarpa. “Fittingly, the female contingent of this year’s race will lead the field through the neutral zone from Scottburgh Main Beach to the start line at Renishaw sugarcane farm where they will occupy the front row of the grid on the start line! “The Cutty Sark and Blue Marlin hotels have also offered all participants a fantastic Women’s Day discount, perfect for gents to spoil their wives, girlfriends or even their moms with and to enjoy a great long weekend with their family on the South Coast!” he adds. Regardless of participating in the event’s 45km Sappi Scottburgh Classic, 28km Dash & Splash Intermediate Ride or the 10km Dash & Splash Family Ride, all female finishers can also look forward to a little something extra when they reach the finish line. For the racing snakes in the field, the total prize pool has been increased across all age categories with the contributions of Splash WaterWorld and Thirsty Whale Sports & Cocktail Bar seeing this trend extending into the 28km and 10km events too as the next generation of stars look to surge to the front of their respective age group categories. “The Thule King and Queen of the Mountains is set to add a little extra spice to the race and with this challenge being a little later into the route than previous years it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the dice for this hotspot prize,” says Scarpa. The picturesque South Coast is once again set to provide the ideal stage upon which the action from this year's Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race unfolds as the popular race joins in with the nation's Women's Day celebrations. Darren Goddard/ Gameplan Media A wide variety of lucky draw prizes is also sure to grab the attention of young and old, racing snakes and weekend warriors alike. “We have a fantastic, brand new mountain bike up for grabs courtesy of Bobby’s Cycles as well as lucky draw prizes from Cadence Cycling Durban North, Funky Pants, weekend stays at Blue Marlin and Cutty Sark hotels and plenty more!” The Halfway Toyota Kids Zone provides the ideal environment for the younger members of the family to play in safely under the beady watch of the Umkomaas Pre-School staff while being treated to a hot dog, juice and snacks over and above the zone’s fun and games. The 2015 Sappi Scottburgh MTB Race takes place on Sunday 9 August. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the race venue while entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za and more information can be found at www.facebook.com/pages/Scottburgh-Mtb-Race/221420711386243?fref=ts

Riders from throughout KZN are expected to flock to the South Coast on Sunday 31 August for this year's Scottburgh MTB Race presented by Sappi. // Photo credit: Darren Goddard/ Gameplan Media. Previously staged over the weekend of the winter solstice, the South Coast cycling spectacle now finds itself nestled into its new timeslot two months later and race organiser Flavio Scarpa believes it is the perfect way for cycling enthusiasts to clear away the cobwebs and get back outdoors. “Not many people are fans of the early morning cold when they head off to a mountain bike race in winter so our new date, plus the fact that we’re situated right on the coast, is ideal for everyone to get back on their bikes and get riding again!” said Scarpa. “We had to move the event due to Pietermaritzburg’s hosting of the UCI MTB Marathon World Championships in June and both the Scottburgh Cycling Club and Cycling for Mobility have been hard at work as we look to make this year’s race as enjoyable as possible! “This year’s Scottburgh MTB Race is the day before Spring Day so I’m sure plenty of riders will get into the spirit of things and add a little piece of Spring to their attire as they to get into the Spring mood.” he added. With the South Coast journey taking riders through the local sugar cane plantations, CrocWorld and the exciting single track stretches through Sappi’s Cannonbrae plantations, the speed of the course is a notable feature of the event. “We haven’t changed the route too much over the years as we regularly receive very positive feedback from the participants. We have added a few new features in this time around though which we’re sure will make the ride even more enjoyable! “Riders will go into a new section of single track as early as the 2km mark and it will be interesting to see just how this affects the pace of the race early on as riders look to get the hole shot into this stretch. “The last major climb of the day also offers riders a new section of single track called Mamba Alley, for obvious reasons, before you exit onto the best finish of any MTB race in existence – our famous downhill stretch that leads onto the last section of Farmer Glen’s Nedbank Sani2c track and finally pops you out onto the beach of Scottburgh Main Beach!” Despite an uncomplicated approach to the route’s preparation, Scarpa believes the new additions to the event as a whole will be of great benefit to participants and add even further to the popularity of the race. “For the first time this year we’ll be offering participants the chance to bring their children along and leave them in the great care of the teachers from Umkomaas Pre-School at the Halfway Toyota Kids Zone. “Parents can feel relaxed knowing that their children are in safe hands while they enjoy their ride! “Once again there will be hotspot prizes up for grabs at the top of Sun Rise Surprise courtesy of the Thule King & Queen of the Mountain competitions which always add a little extra spice to the racing at the front of the field early on. “We’re expecting the weather to be great so make sure you pack your boardshorts and bikinis as well so you can enjoy a swim in our magnificent ocean once you’ve crossed the finish line and then make sure you stay for prize giving as Bobby’s Cycles have donated a brand new bike for our lucky draw!” added Scarpa. Entries for the 2014 Scottburgh MTB Race presented by Sappi are open and can be submitted via www.roag.co.za for the 10km Fun Ride, 28km Intermediate event as well as the 45km Classic.