Thrills no spills at inaugural MTB race
Parker-Dennison proved to be the stronger rider on the hills making her the winner in a time of 1.40.39.
AMANZIMTOTI Cycling Club’s first-ever MTB race, the Dafco Urban Challenge was a resounding success.
Rain was predicted and all were anxiously checking the weather reports but the sky was clear and the sun shone, making the event pleasurable for spectators and riders alike.
The start of the main race, four laps of 8kms, was something like the end of Tour de France – riders fighting for first position and the pace didn’t stop there. It was Carl Calverley from Hillcrest, Brennan Anderson, Hendrik Bester and Bryan Powell riding neck and neck, making it exciting for everyone to watch.
As it was a lap event, it meant spectators were able to see the fight for first place. On the first lap it was Anderson, second lap was Calverley, third was Anderson. The anticipation and high hopes for the trophy to be awarded to a local rider was riveting. Calverley managed to pass Anderson on the last lap but it was on the switch-backs that Anderson turned up the pace and managed a clear win in a time of 1.21.27.
The women riders had their own exciting race, with Candice Parker-Dennison and Cindy Theunissen fighting it out for first place. Theunissen was quick on the grass sections but Parker-Dennison proved to be the stronger rider on the hills, making her the winner in a time of 1.40.39.
The Bester family certainly didn’t go home emptyhanded. Bester was again on the podium, this time for coming third, but he was joined by his daughter, who won the fat bike which was generously donated by Giant Toti of Athlone Park. May she follow in her Dad’s pedals and ride like the wind.
The venue is ideal to hold such an event with loads of parking, shower facilities and tasty food available throughout the day. There has only been praise but it can’t happen without the help of sponsors. The club sincerely thanks the following, without whom the event would not have been the great success it was: Dafco Painting and Waterproofing Specialists, Dunlop Tyres Winklespruit, Excelsior, Funland Dolphin Bowl, Giant Toti Athlone Park, Jungle Oats, Kids on the Coast – KZN, Lords and Legends, Matus, Pick ‘n Pay Galleria, Powafix, RJs, Sapphire Coast Tourism, Thirsty Whale.
Be sure to join in next year.
Dafco Urban challenge results:
32km men: Brennan Anderson 1.21.27, Carl Calverley 1.22.03, Hendrik Bester, 1.22.44, Bryan Powell 1.24.40, Dean Wortmann 1.28.00.
32km women: Candice Parker-Dennison 1.40.39, Cindy Theunissen 1.41.04, Imke Potgieter 2.05.45.
