Northcliff cyclist, Bonny Swanepoel, along with racing partner Rene Schoeman of Benoni, were a revelation in the seven-day TransCape MTB race, which started in Knysna on 8 February and ended in Franschhoek on 14 February.
The two women, racing as Team Transvestites as they were the only women’s team participating and therefore had to compete in the mixed division, were outstanding as they won the mixed category comfortably.
“Amazingly, they also outclassed the majority of the men’s teams and solo riders on most of the stages in the race and finished the event sixth overall. A remarkable achievement as Schoeman has only been cycling for two years and has done three stage races, while Swanepoel, a stage race veteran, is a cancer survivor who turns 50 later this year,” said TransCape MTB race’s media consultant Yolanda van der Stoep.
The pair only met two days prior the event.
Although a mechanical problem slowed their roll on day five, Swanepoel and Schoeman managed to complete the event at number one in the mixed category, and clinched sixth position overall.
In total they spent 38:27:11 in the saddle.
Speaking at the finish line, Schoeman said, “It was tough, tough riding but the people were amazing from day one, the views fantastic and just an awesome ride.”
The two women also attributed their fantastic performance to ‘clicking’ from day one and having the same riding styles which should bode well for any further stage races, like next year’s TransCape MTB race, that they may do together.
Entries for the 2016 TransCape will open in April.
Details: www.transcapemtb.com
