Amanzimtoti siblings claim podium finishes

The 26th edition of the aQuellé Tour Durban 100km event was altered, due to protest on the M19, and resulted in two-laps starting from the Moses Mabhida Stadium to Umdloti, totalling 85km.

The B route did provide some exciting, fast and rewarding results and once again the sublime Durban weather played its part. There were a couple of podium finishes, both from the Theunissen family. Biddi continues to get her name mentioned in cycling events despite the fact she is a tri-thlete. Her younger brother, Liam, excelled in the shorter event, by coming first in his age category and second overall.

Meanwhile, a new venue and revamped routes greeted participants in this year’s Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge which has entrenched itself as a firm favourite on the mountain biking calendar and among the Mambas in Amanzimtoti Cycle Club. This past Sunday saw the 58.6km pristine MTB route boasting what some riders have called “the best single track of any single day event”. Kilometers of new and exciting single track had been cut allowing for fast flowing track and superb views while traversing the picturesque Gwahumbe Game and Spa / iNsingizi game reserves.

The new route was well organised, clearly marked and well attended. Mambas enjoyed the forest section with its switchbacks and the recently added berms, which exceeded two meters, were scary but exciting. ACC’s member, Clinton Evangelides said, “It was one tough race and not for the faint-hearted. There was enough climbing to ride, lovely forest sections and plenty of surprises along the way. Due to the recent rains, some sections were muddy making the race even more technical. One of the highlights for me was the floating bridge across the dam. Besides this, there were some really nice jumps to get the adrenaline going.”

Mambas are known to be tough and not faint-hearted and were once again standing high on the podium. In the 60km event, Shelley Higgo was the second lady to cross the finish line in a time of 3:17:41 and first in her age category. Caryn Harvey, who continues to ride exceptionally well, bettered last year’s achievement, by coming first in the Masters’ age category. Hendrik ‘Yester’ Bester and Neil Tupper both had impressive rides as they came third in their age category. Knowing the event was tough, technical, muddy and mountainous.

If you are new to mountain biking or you haven’t cycled in a while and need to get your fitness up again, join the Amanzimtoti Cycling Club.

Some of the benefits of joining the club include keeping fit and meeting new friends. You can also use the opportunity to learn from the more experienced cycling members. New members receive free club shirts. There are also weekly club rides and sponsored Friday coffee rides. Groups cater for all levels of riders – from beginner to racing snakes. Enjoy monthly socials with guest speakers and friendly members.

For more information, contact the club’s chairman, Barry Walker on 083-459-8253.

DID YOU KNOW?
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)