The ‘ALS of NIKS Mountain Bike and Trail Running’ event was held over the weekend between Newcastle and Vrede, with many Vryheid mountain bikers taking part. There were different events, the longest and definitely most difficult one being the 116km mountain bike race with 1800m elevation. Congratulations to Lize Swanepoel on coming first in the ladies’ race in a time of 06:45. Well done for having the guts to take on this long event, Lize! Congratulations also to Lourens de Beer, who took second place in the men’s event and completed the distance in 04:45. Ernest Franzen finished third. Riaan Swanepoel must be commended for completing the event.
Many bikers also competed in the 75km event (1000m elevation), with Sandra Haywood taking first place in the ladies’ division as well as ‘Queen of the Mountain’. Well done to Suzette Leach for finishing in second place. In the men’s division, Hannes van Staden claimed first place and Martin Schoeman third. Everette Haywood, Willem Richter, Andrea de Beer and Hanno Carstens also completed the 75km event in excellent times. Franco Carstens completed the 35km race and also did really well. All the Vryheid riders agree that it was a well-organised event and a long and difficult route, but highly enjoyable. Not forgetting a big thumbs-up to Monia van Staden for completing the 10km trail running event. “Beautiful scenery,” she commented afterwards.
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