The 2017 version of the Transvaal Galvanisers Mountain Bike (MTB) Race again took place in Dalpark Extension One, at the Van Dyk Dam opposite Carnival City, on Sunday.
Over 300 MTB riders took on the challenge of the 60km, 35km or 10km race distances – all in the name of raising much-needed funds for the Benoni-based Apricot Tree School for Stimulation and Development, which caters for children with varying intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Race organiser Athol Davies said the turnout of riders was slightly down in comparison to last year’s race.
He cited the overcast weather in the morning and the “money fight” between Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor as possible reasons for the decline in participants.
“All in all it was a really good race again,” said Davies.
“It was extremely cold in the morning.
“We had some good support this year to raise funds for the Apricot Tree School and it was another year of no incidents or injuries.”
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On the riding front it was Kai Pritzen who was the first male rider home in the male 60km race.
He reached the finish in a time of one hour, 46 minutes and 31 seconds followed by Andries Nigrini in a time of one hour, 47 minutes and one second.
The winner’s brother Marc was the third-best male rider on the morning.
He came in at a time of one hour, 47 minutes and 21 seconds.
Deirdre Beaukes was the first female home in the 60km race.
She finished in two hours, 30 minutes and 16 seconds – a mere six seconds ahead of runner-up Val Weldon.
Kaylee Inglis rounded off the Top Three women in a time of two hours, 30 minutes and 32 seconds.
Aaron Heyneke was the first overall male to get to the finish in the 35km race.
He arrived home with a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 57 seconds, followed by Stephan van der Walt with a time of one hour, 14 minutes and one second.
Andre van Tonder was the third best male in the 35km race.
He arrived at the finish line 40 seconds after van der Walt to take third place.
Elizma Wheeler wheeled over the line as the first female home in the 35km race with a time of one hour, 28 seconds and eight seconds.
Marisa Williams finished second with a time of one hour, 32 minutes and 33 seconds.
Rene Edith de Villiers was third with a time of one hour, 38 minutes and 33 seconds.
More photos: MTB race floats on by
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