Mountain bikers brave high temperatures

JACQUES Rossouw took top honours in the fifth annual Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge on Sunday when he crossed the finish line in an overall time of two hours and 11 minutes.

Ellane van Wyk from Stellenbosch was the first woman to finish the 55-km course in 2:45. They were part of over 1 800 mountain bikers who braved the soaring Boland heat during the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge around Boschendal Estate.And as the mercury rose to over 40 degrees, even the fittest and most experienced mountain bikers had a tough time on the dry and dusty course.The temperatures also contributed to some harsh route conditions – it took over five hours for some riders to finish.”An unprecedented number of riders participated in this year’s Mountain Bike Challenge,” said Meurant Botha, event organiser of the Mountain Bike Challenge.”It is great to see how this event has developed into a must-do on mountain bikers’ race calendars.”Over 300 riders enjoyed the leisurely 13-km route; over 800 cyclists rode the 26-km trail while around 660 riders endured the gruelling 55-km route.The race winners were : 55 km Men: 1.Jacques Rossouw: 2:11:31 2.Marc Bassingthwaighte: 2:12:58 3.Hannes Neethling: 2:13:48 Women: 1.Ellane van Wyk: 2:44:46 2.Sara Muhl: 2:46:04 3.Hanlie Booyens: 2:46:08 26 km Men: 1.Allister Arenson: 1:13:17 2.Dominic Calitz: 1:13:49 3.Marc Puzey: 1:14:14 Women: 1.Claire Johnson: 1:25:46 2.Leigh McLuskey: 1:26:23 3.Lulette Lubbe: 1:27:00 13 km Men: 1.Matthew Davey: 00:37:05 2.Christopher Broderick: 00:42:46 3.Matthew van Niekerk: 00:43:19 Women: 1.Chloe Visser: 00:44:44 2.Annamart Laubscher: 00:45:52 3.Marli Louw (time not available)They were part of over 1 800 mountain bikers who braved the soaring Boland heat during the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge around Boschendal Estate.And as the mercury rose to over 40 degrees, even the fittest and most experienced mountain bikers had a tough time on the dry and dusty course.The temperatures also contributed to some harsh route conditions – it took over five hours for some riders to finish.”An unprecedented number of riders participated in this year’s Mountain Bike Challenge,” said Meurant Botha, event organiser of the Mountain Bike Challenge.”It is great to see how this event has developed into a must-do on mountain bikers’ race calendars.”Over 300 riders enjoyed the leisurely 13-km route; over 800 cyclists rode the 26-km trail while around 660 riders endured the gruelling 55-km route.The race winners were : 55 km Men: 1.Jacques Rossouw: 2:11:31 2.Marc Bassingthwaighte: 2:12:58 3.Hannes Neethling: 2:13:48 Women: 1.Ellane van Wyk: 2:44:46 2.Sara Muhl: 2:46:04 3.Hanlie Booyens: 2:46:08 26 km Men: 1.Allister Arenson: 1:13:17 2.Dominic Calitz: 1:13:49 3.Marc Puzey: 1:14:14 Women: 1.Claire Johnson: 1:25:46 2.Leigh McLuskey: 1:26:23 3.Lulette Lubbe: 1:27:00 13 km Men: 1.Matthew Davey: 00:37:05 2.Christopher Broderick: 00:42:46 3.Matthew van Niekerk: 00:43:19 Women: 1.Chloe Visser: 00:44:44 2.Annamart Laubscher: 00:45:52 3.Marli Louw (time not available)