Valencia Podiums in National Cross Country and Marathon Events

Last weekend Saturday was a big day in national mountain biking with both a National XCO race held in Mankele and the 5^th leg of the National Marathon Series which took place in Rooiberg, North of Pretoria. Despite the clash of dates, Team Valencia represented well in both events.

In the Elite XCO race, Samantha Sanders was in her element, the course at Mankele suits her as it is highly technical; fast and fun if you have guts and skill.

The South African Champion showed her pedigree as she had pulled a 50 second gap on her competition in the first lap alone, extending it to 8 minutes after the 4 lap race. “Mankele is a course that demands a lot from the legs and upper body. Something I feel suits my riding well. The guys at Mankele as always put together a well organised event. CSA have been rewarding us handsomely with decent prize money. Definitely an incentive to work hard!”

Ryan Terry, one of Valencia’s youngest up and coming road cyclists showed diversity when he competed on the other end of the cycling spectrum coming second in a competitive Sub Junior category. “The course was tough with a lot of technical sections that I managed to do. I am happy with my second place!”

In the MTN National Marathon in Rooiberg, Amy Beth McDougall lined up next to some of the best marathon racers in the country. She finished in a solid 4^th overall and 2^nd in the Senior Ladies Category. “The race was hot, rocky and very physical both on the uphills and downhills. It was not my best race but I loved the challenging singletrack and finished strong despite a horrible start.”

Mandie Swart had an excellent race in the Half Marathon. She came 2^nd overall and won the Junior Ladies age category “I’m really glad to have taken 2^nd overall and 1^st Junior. It was really challenging but I loved the technical stuff!” Mandie’s younger sister Monique Swart raced in the 20km, coming 5^th overall and 4^th in the Sub Junior category.

Next up for Team Valencia is the Uplands Festival this weekend on home ground. Certain to be a fantastic day out for everyone in the Lowveld!