Sanders Achieves Bronze at South African Marathon Champs

Last Sunday, the best mountain bike marathon racers from across the country descended upon Pietermaritzburg to compete in the pinnacle of this year’s national season: the SA Marathon Champs. The location was Cascades Mountain Bike Park, a world class XCO (Cross Country Olympic) destination for annual World Cup events as well as national XCO events.

Nick Flores, trail builder, famous for hairy rock gardens, top class obstacles and technical single track, didn’t fail to disappoint with the 50km, 71km and 94km routes rife with all of the above. All the descents were tricky and technical, and with 2400m of ascent in the marathon and 3000m in the Ultra, many described it as a “marathon distance XCO race”. In order to do well, one had to be a hard core mountain biker.

Samantha Sanders had a slow start, lying in 9^th place past the 1^st water-point. She worked her way through the field up to 3^rd behind Robyn de Groot and Candice Neethling. She maintained her position until the finish achieving a well-deserved bronze medal. Having had a rocky start to the year due to a broken thumb and massive “crater” in her elbow, Sanders is happy with her returning form. “I really enjoyed the course – it was definitely tough but it has a balance; testing endurance and skill. I tried to ride a ‘clever race’; being fast where I knew I could be fast and consistent on the climbs which worked out for me. I was stoked to take 3^rd and get Valencia on the podium.”

Amy McDougall was lying 10^th at the first water-point but unfortunately suffered a sidewall puncture shortly after; pushing her down to 25^th place. McDougall having lost valuable time, fought back finishing 5^th Elite by the end. “I was disappointed to have punctured, but that’s mountain biking! I loved the course; it was super tough but also a lot of fun. Although there is still work to do, I am feeling strong and looking forward to world Champs at the end of the month!”

In the 50km half marathon, Martin Oosthuizen and Ryan Clarke finished 51 seconds apart in 9^th and 10^th overall and 7^th and 8^th in the Junior Men’s category. Mandie Swart finished 11^th overall and 7^th Junior. Friends, Franco Pelser and Reyno Beukes also finished with a commendable top 20. Great achievements all round.

The race on Sunday was used as a preliminary race for the World Champs at the end of the month, thus the course will be similar if not identical to SA Champs. As anticipation is mounting, local riders now have a good idea of what to expect for Worlds. One thing is for sure, it is going to be a tough battle!