The weather was as tumultuous as the gruelling route that tested the 392 riders who tackled the third annual Impi Enduro in the Elandskraal/Msinga area.
The action started on Thursday with the prologue. The racing got underway on Friday and Saturday. The weather was also a tester – chilly and misty in the Pomeroy area while Tugela Ferry was hot and humid.The many out-of-town riders were overwhelmed by the support and friendliness of the locals. Msinga Mayor, Mrs BP Ngcobo, officially started the Impi on Friday. The riders pushed themselves to their limit with many taking a tumble.
Msinga’s Disaster Management team helped with road crossings down in Tugela Ferry. The organisers thanked their many sponsors that included Motul, JT Racing, Fairfields Dairy, Nomadik, Quench Water, Vryheid Petroleum, Kudu Signs, Race Food, Red Bull, Rudamans, Super Moose, Lalalapa and The Oval. Said co-organiser Willem Wentzel: “Thanks for your support. Moving forward, the Impi team is super excited for 2017.” More photos can be seen at www.finishlinephotos.co.za and on the Courier’s webpage www.northernnatalcourier.co.za
Gold category best times:
1. William Slater, 2. Barend Erasmus, 3. Hayden Louw, 4. Calvin Garvie, 5. Luke Williams.
Local participants:
Silver finisher Christian Zaal. Bronze finishers: Klaas Meintjies, Peet Boonzaaier, Frans Strydom (with nine stitches in his hand) and local lass, Laurika Pansegrouw.
Comments from some of those who were there: Leslie Prinsloo: Well done on the best event of the year. Other event organisers can learn from this event. On time fuel stops on par. World class event and I’ve done many events. By far the best. Well done guys. Carly Botha: This race was one of the best I have ever attended.
