Tzaneen’s cyclists excel at Miami Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge

Presented by the Tzaneen Cycling Club, this legendary event has left its mark on the
MTB calendar. With heartpounding excitement and fierce competition, riders were treated to a thrilling showcase of off-road cycling at its finest. The challenging marathon route, kicking off at the breathtaking Faerie Glen picnic site at Westfalia, tested the mettle of the riders with its stunning plantations, invigorating singletracks, scenic climbs, and heart pounding descents.

The Miami-Magoebaskloof MTB Challenge lived up to its reputation, pushing riders to their limits and rewarding them with unforgettable moments on the trails. Among the impressive performances from Tzaneen riders, Alan Gordon claimed victory as the overall men’s winner in the full marathon race. Chantal Weyers showed her incredible skill and determination by claiming the title of overall women’s winner. Walt Katzke secured an impressive third place overall and clinched the title of the first veteran to finish.

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Pierre Bruwer and Werner Steyn also shone, securing second and third positions on the veteran podium. In the women’s race, Shirley Scriven showcased her grit by securing second place overall and claiming the top spot in the veteran women’s category. Dalene van Zyl and Retha Beukes rounded out the veterans’ podium with their remarkable performances. The halfmarathon race witnessed an equally thrilling competition. Anke Rood stood out as the overall women’s champion and the first junior to cross the finish line.

Anita Visagie and Lizelle Cronje showcased their experience as veteran women, securing first and second positions. Monica Roode and Anna Cartwright excelled in the grand master
category. Among the men, De Wet Conradie and Gavin Waites delivered outstanding performances in the sub-vet category, securing the first and second positions. Nielen Weyers claimed the top spot
in the veteran men’s category, while Neels van der Merwe and Rui Freitas took the top steps in the master and grand master categories.

The Tzaneen Cycling Club has extended its gratitude to all the sponsors who made this event possible. A special appreciation went to Miami Canners, the title sponsor, for their unwavering support. The club also thanked Hans Merensky Holdings and Westfalia for allowing the club to use their grounds and facilities and Kuno Venter and his team for all the route planning and building.

The club thanked the Corruseal Group, Letaba Wireless, Insect Science, NTT Isuzu Tzaneen, Tzaneen Cycle Café, Tzaneen Rotary Club, Letaba Estates, Fast Body Healing, Safari Pub & Grill, Highgrove Lodge, and ZZ2 for their contributions and donations. The club thanked the waterpoint sponsors, Agatha Crocodile Ranch, BF Petroleum Group, Letaba Wireless, Northern Personnel and NTT Isuzu Tzaneen. All photos supplied