Purtell and Smith dazzle at inaugural MTB Challenge
The race was hosted by Rocky Bay Resorts.
South Coast cousins, Darryn Purtell and Hayley Smith put together two days of flawless riding to win the inaugural Seabreeze Build It Bitter-Sweet MTB Challenge on Sunday, 18 October at Rocky Bay.
The race, which was hosted by Rocky Bay Resorts, presented the ideal terrain for Purtell and Smith to thrive on.
With inside knowledge of the serene South Coast trails, they set out with high pace on day one’s 60km route.
Having made the podium at this year’s Joberg2c it seems the duo are growing in confidence race by race.
Day two’s 40km journey saw them adopt a far more technical approach. With a firm lead, the pair stuck to their guns as they crossed the finish line in an overall time of 4.30.15.
“It’s really exciting to win, especially being the first event, it means a lot to us,” Purtell said.
Purtell was also quick to admit that riding in the area during their formative years played a crucial role.
“Growing up on the South Coast and learning to ride here has been wonderful, it’s just really rewarding to see how everything has evolved, how mountain biking has gone from strength to strength,” he said.
Purtell has raced around the country and despite the event being in its infancy, he has vowed to return.
“It’s been great riding this weekend. Organisers have put in a huge amount of work getting everything in pristine condition for all of us. It has just been an amazing experience from the time we started on Saturday morning – the trails, people, hospitality, it’s all just been great,” Purtell said.
“This event will definitely grow, it can only get bigger from here.”
Seabreeze Build It owner, Arthur Snel was heavily impressed by the event. Arthur, a keen rider himself, was spotted on the trails on both days.
“The event went very, very well. It blew my mind in terms of the journey from when we first decided to do this whole thing to where we are now.
The event will definitely continue. We are not just throwing money at the event, we got involved in everything, we are investing in the area and uplifting the community through our ongoing development programme too.
The 2016 Seabreeze Build It Bitter-Sweet MTB Challenge will take place on 22 and 23 October and riders can enter online by visiting www.roag.co.za once entries open early next year.
Results:
Combined day 1 and 2 (team):
- Darryn Purtell and Hayley Smith (Bell Equipment) – 4.30.15
- Ewald Thole and Jan-Hendrik-Devillers (E and J) – 4.40.56
- Candice Parker-Dennison and Wesley Parker-Dennison (Halfway Toyota) – 4.42.17
- Linda Leisegang and Belinda Mason (Sunshine Seedlings) – 5.44.34
- Ryan Keeve and Lungelo Khomo (Seabreeze Build It) – 5.53.19
- Ulrich von Landsberg and John von Landsberg (Toti Mambas) – 6.09.59
- Dumisane Hlongwane and Bongani Makhathini (Mountain Splendour) – 6.29.37
- Cassandra Stremmelaar and Michael Withey (Baynesfield Slaves) – 6.30.29
- Anthony Pembridge and Sean Brown (Baynesfield) – 6.37.46
- Peter Mapstone and David Launder (The Farmers) – 6.37.48
Combined day 1 and 2 (individual):
- Alexandra Mapstone – 5.15.35
- Elizabeth Clark – 5.57.33
- Jade Hattingh – 6.49.53
Combined day 1 and 2 (corporate)
- Brennan Anderson – 4.03.15
- Michael Cannon – 4.53.00
- Lauren Dougall – 6.07.34
