GALLERY: Uys conquers slippery Silverstar Casino MTB challenge
MULDERSDRIFT – Bikers are welcome to ride along the riding courses free of charge since the weather was not favourable during the competition.
Bikers braced the cold weather on 5 September to conquer the wet and slippery riding conditions during the 8th edition of Pennypichers Silverstar Mountain Bike Challenge presented by ASG.
South African sub-veteran marathon champion Henry Uys, who rides in the colours of Complete Cyclist, triumphed in a time of 01:46:41 to win the 40km challenge.
Uys has participated in all MTB challenges before and had only been in the podium twice prior, winning the competition for the first time this year.
“It was a very tricky ride today. The coast is quite difficult when it’s dry and dusty. The rain made it more difficult and slippery,” explained Uys.
He added that he had to ride smoothly and avoid taking any risks.
“I had to manage my efforts and do the best as I could,” he said.
Justin Santos (15) of Nylstroom in Limpopo, who participated in the competition for the first time, commended the organisers for ensuring the route was clear and well designed.
“It was technically harded than I expected. Although I fell, I enjoyed it. At one stage I thought I was going to die,” said Santos.
One of the event organisers of ASG Wynand de Villiers said the competition was one of the oldest mountain bike challenge on the West Rand.
He explained that the huge turnout – irrespective of weather conditions – was a clear indication that bikers enjoyed the competition.
“Mogale City deploys their Community Safety Police who were standing and monitoring the race to ensure that bikers were riding safely,” he explained.
He emphasised that bikers were welcome to experience the trailers again free of charge.
“I will email all the participants and invite them to come and enjoy riding again here, but it will not involve Silverstar. This is just a way of thanking them for coming,” concluded De Villiers.
Details: ASG Events 076 621 1807.
Related stories:
Sporting events and fun activities in your area
auSOMEtism riding the Momentum 947 Cycle challenge 2014
