Sanders excels at Mpumalanga Road Champs and the Mpumalanga Road Tour.

Samantha Sanders showed excellent form when she dominated the Mpumalanga Road Champs, earning the title of Mpumalanga Road Champion and Time Trial Champion. With only two days’ rest, she embarked on the gruelling 5 stage Mpumalanga Road Tour.

Last weekend, Badplaas was once again host to the Mpumalanga Provincial Road Champs. The weekend comprised an 84km road race on the Saturday morning and a 20km Time Trial in the afternoon. On Sunday there is a 4.9km hill climb and criterium which Sanders decided to skip for an extra day's rest prior to the tour.

Sanders blitzed the road race in a time of 2:38:49 and took the win comfortably with her nearest competition, Anriette Schoeman, finishing in a time of 2:47:29. “I basically just went with the men’s group which eventually split with an attack at the front. From there it was smooth sailing” – Sanders. Taking the bronze medal was local mountain biker, Emily Clarke.

That afternoon, Sanders powered her way to gold medal number 2 in the 20km TT in a time of 00:33:25. “The TT was pretty simple – go as hard as you can until the finish. I was super stoked with my performance on the weekend and it put me in good spirits for the MPU Tour". Coming 2^nd in the Time Trial was Clarke.

On Tuesday the 19^th of January the Grueling 6 day Mpumalanga Road tour began. The 6 days comprised a total of 752km riding an 11514 meters of climbing.

The Mpumalanga women’s team was represented by Samantha Sanders, Yolandi Du Toit, Anriette Schoeman, Dalene Van Der Leek, Ronel Human, and Emily Clarke.

Sanders served as a “domestique” and turned herself inside out each day to save team leader, Du Toit’s energy for the end of the stage.  

Stage 1 of the Mpumalanga Tour for the Elite began with a 97km stage starting in Badplaas and ending just outside Mbombela. Lisa Olivier took the stage win and Du Toit took 2^nd. Namibian National XCO and XCM Champion Michelle Voster finished 3^rd in a sprint with Sanders. Sanders surprised herself pleasantly with her 4^th overall despite working to shelter Du Toit and having the Road Champs in her legs. “After a strong 4^th place on day 1 I knew I had decent form. It was also clear that Yolandi was our GC rider and our tactics became hinged on getting her across the line 1^st” Anriette Schoeman rounded up the top 5.

Stage 2 was a 132km monster with 300m of climbing. It was a round route starting at Mbombela Stadium, making its way into Barberton and ending back just outside Mbombela. Sanders and Du Toit stayed with the break up boulders and finished in 3^rd and 4^th respectively. Olivier took another win with Voster in 2^nd .Racing in the front was extremely tight with only 30 seconds separating the top 4 on this gruelling stage.

Stage 3 from Hazyview to Blyda Canyon was a short 65km made purely for climbers with 2 major ascents up Koweins and Robert’s pass. The toughness of the stage and the toll of previous day’s 132km on riders’ legs showed in a split field with big time gaps and an average speed of only 23km/h. Olivier once again took the stage with Voster in 2^nd, Du Toit 3^rd, Irene Steyn and Vera Adrian both of Namibia came 4^th and 5^th respectively. Sanders took 6^th. “Anriette and I worked hard from Hazyview to the base of Koweins attacking contantly and Yolandi stuck with the split up the climb. The rest of the day was survival” 

 Stage 4 was a flat 78km with only 1 climb to Blyde resort from Graskop through Sabieha ending in White River. Through team work and tacticle riding, Dalene Van Der Leek won the stage in a solo break 1’32”ahead of Voster, Du Toit and Olivier in 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th respectively. Sanders riding solo finished solidly in 5^th only 30 seconds behind the chasing group. “Dalene attacked at about 18km and managed to get clear. Our team controlled the bunch to keep Dalene in the lead. The tactic worked well to give her the win and Yolandi a 3^rd”.

The final stage, 77km, concluded in Graskop from White river. Sanders showed her class and never die attitude and ended the tour on a high when she finished 2^nd in a sprint with Adrian. Schoeman, Voster, and Olivier rounded up the top 5 respectively. “Vera Adrian and I managed a two-man break which we built to 2 minutes. We worked well together but having more experience than me in the art of sprinting… I finished 2^nd. - Sanders

A crash in the middle of last year took Sanders out for the rest of the 2015 season. She has come back with a bang and is looking forward to the 2016 season.

“All in all it was a fantastic experience racing with the girls. As it turns out I just love racing my bike whether its tactical road racing or mountain biking. A massive congrats to Lise Olivier for winning overall and my teammate Yolandi for finishing 3rd. I was pleased to finish 4th overall and to take home the best MPU rider Jersey everyday. All Thanks to our manager and my Coach Bosseau and the people that make racing a reality for me; Valencia.” - Sanders

Starting 2015 with a bang

Team Valencia kicked off 2015 full gas at the MP Provincial road champs in Badplaas on the 17^th – 18^th January. Four disciplines of racing take place over the two days with the road race and Time trial on the Saturday and the Hill Climb and Criterium on the Sunday. Riders could choose which event/s to partake in. Team Valencia had a reputation to uphold as they cleaned up in last year’s event.

In the Road Race, Damon Halderman, having just made the leap from the Junior category to U23, won the U23 category and crossed the line second overall in a bunch sprint with Elite rider Richard Swanepoel and U23 Liam de Klerk in 2^nd and 3^rd. Justin Victor came 3^rd in the Elite men’s category and Samantha Sanders and Amy McDougall sprinted for 2^nd  and 3^rd respectively in the women’s race. Martin Oosthuizen came 3^rd in the junior category, Jaco Botha 2^nd in the Vet Men 30 – 34 category and Tayla Nortje claimed gold in the U/12 riding 6 minutes quicker than her nearest competitor in the 20km.

The toughest race of the weekend was the 20km Time Trial. It also proved to be the favourite and it saw podiums across the board. Damon Halderman won the U23 category missing the fastest time of the day by 5 seconds. In the Elite category, Samantha Sanders and Justin Victor both came 2^nd, Martin Oosthuizen claimed his 2^nd bronze in the Junior category, Tayla Nortje cleaned up again in U/12. Bosseau Boshoff showed his years of pedigree by winning the Vet Men’s category despite having lost fitness due to illness. Brett Coats won the 50 – 55 category.

Sunday kicked off with a gruelling 5km Hill Climb time trial. Emily Clarke came 3^rd in the Elite Women’s category, Martin Oosthuizen came 2^nd in the Junior category, Tayla Nortje 2^nd in the U/12 category and Brett Coates won the 50 – 55.

The weekend was wrapped up with the 20 min + a lap Criterium. The racing was intense and exciting, each group finishing off in a sprint. In the Elite Women’s race Samantha Sanders broke away in a powerful sprint 2 3rds into the final lap claiming 1^st place followed by Dalene van der Leek and Amy McDougall in 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Damon Halderman secured his 3^rd gold when he won the U23 category again. Justin Victor came 2^nd in the Elite men’s race, Martin Oosthuizen 2^nd in the junior category, Jaco Botha came 3^rd in the 30 – 34 category and Tayla Nortje claimed her final gold in the U/12 category.

Damon Halderman deservedly won sportsman of the year 2014 and 16 medals were won all together by Team Valencia, as usual, the athletes showed an amazing team spirit and camaraderie.

Next up for the team in the XCO provincial champs to be held at Mankele Bike Park.

Isuzu Three Towers - Race Report by Max Knox

After five long years away for various other commitments it was finally time for me to ride the Isuzu Three Towers stage race.

In the short period I have missed the race, the event has grown so immensely. Mankele is one of the more famous mountain bike parks, I wont go into detail but basically three solid days of racing lay ahead of us around the mountains.

It was fantastic to have every pro rider on the line this year and guys all looked fantastic in their build up for the pioneer. To have such a quality field racing is so inspirational and it really gets the school kids fired up to race seeing there heroes in action. So to have such a quality field was a real honour for Mpumulanga

Naeem from Valencia very generously sponsored both Kevin and myself so we could race the event. With out his backing and help we would not have been able to do it. A huge thanks for that Naeem and Valencia. I am sure many of you racing saw the wonderful hospitality at the Valencia gazebo.

Having had a four day stint in hospital recently with the fantastic Malaria virus I knew I was in for a real suffer fest. After racing the event twice and winning all the stages I just had ambitions of being in the top 10 this time around..

Kevin was in fantastic shape and he ripped the bunch to pieces up the first hill where a small mushroom cloud occurred in my head and from there on out it was just survive for me. Thanks to Kev for nursing me for the next three days, it means a lot to me. I could not ask for a better partner. I thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of the tour, and just the perfect way for me to end my season and continue on the road to good health.

I wish I could report a little more action from the front but sadly the lead group disappeared early daily and i cant give you a report on that end of the racing but Im sure the racing was of an absolute top class. Congrats to all finishers and trophy winners.

To Mark and Geoff thanks for putting on such a wonderful show. Naeem, once again thank you my friend for the support with bikes equipment and entry. Having your support made it all possible..

Happy trails to all and good luck to all RSA riders doing the Pioneer Trek. I will be holding thumbs for you all.

Cheers

Max  

                                     

Spur Schools Finals Ends in Victory. - Race Report by Monique Swart

With low temperatures and a cloudy day, with some drizzles here and there, I started getting ready for the finals.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6...........(the whistle goes). And off we went. I started pedalling as hard as I could to open a gap for myself. Without knowing, the second girl was just a few metres behind me. With barely a kilometre into the race, we came to one of the most exciting parts of track: a small downhill with bumps where I could bunny-hop over with speed. Now that was fun! After the bumps, some single track and through a small gate, we started climbing. I looked over my shoulder and saw her. With just a boy dividing myself from her, I started speeding up my pace just a notch. And so we rode for a whole lap.

When we came for our second lap, people were starting to turn up their voices. My Dad, who was standing there was ready to give me my nutrition for what I needed for a lap. The 2nd girl also started to turn up the heat. She rode a bit faster and she was finally on my back tyre, we rode like that, for a whole second lap. We came on to the rugby field, over the bridge with a small drop, which was also fun, through a small single track and again onto the field, for our last and final lap.

This last lap was crucial. People were waiting anxiously, as we disappeared into the far side of the track. So many things flashed through my mind. Am I going to make it till the end? Will I be able to keep my pace strong? And I just told myself not to give up and just grid my teeth together, keep my pedals rolling and don’t look back.

The moment of truth arrived, as we rode for the last time over the bridge and through the small single track. As I exited the single track, with the 2nd girl so close on my wheel, I started speeding up my pace. We were coming onto the field, for the very last few metres, everybody that knew me and the girl, started shouting as loud as they could and I started sprinting as hard as I could.  With only so little to go, we came around the turn and I knew I won. With throwing my hands into the air and screaming of joy, I took the overall lead for the school’s series. I won the race with just a second. I sat down, still not believing that it was so close, my sister came running and hugged me. I couldn’t have done it without all the support I got from my friends, my dad, my sister, some of the Lydenburg High School team, Barry the mechanic, Naeem who was standing next to the one bridge and cheered me and every other Valencia cyclist on. Some people told me that it was a nerve wrecking race for them seeing me and the 2nd girl so close, but the race for me was the best experience I had ever had. With having such a close race, I could see how strong I actually was and how well I handled all the pressure.

I will be representing my school and Mpumalanga at the SA’s in Magaliesburg from the 4th-5th of October.

Valencia Cleans up in Round 2 of the Spur Schools XCO Series

Last weekend, the 3rd round of the XCO Spur School Series took place at Curro College. With the first rains of the Lowveld pending, it was overcast and intermittently drizzly. This did not deter the 300 eager participants. All age categories were well represented and thanks to Derek Putter, the course at Curro was prepared for a stellar day of racing.

The Junior Men’s race was close and exciting; Franco Pelser from Rob Ferreira High pulled a gap on his fellow Valencia teammates: Ryan Clarke (Uplands), Damon Halderman (Hoërskool Bergvlam) and Martin Oosthuizen (Hoërskool Bergvlam) in the second lap. He increased the gap with each lap taking the overall win by 2 minutes. The chasing duo of Ryan Clarke and Damon Halderman finished in an exciting sprint finish, Clark took the win by a split second.

The talented, up and coming Valencia rider, Ryan Terry from Uplands, won the Sub Junior boys race by a notable 4 minutes!

Mandie Swart (Hoërskool Nelspruit) took the win in the Junior Ladies race with Valencia teammate Tyneale Terry of Uplands in 2^nd and Leigh Torre in 3^rd

The Sub Junior girls race was dominated by Valencia’s Monique Swart (Hoërskool Nelspruit) with Kyla Hamer and Stephanie Fritz in 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Liam de Klerk (Penryn) and Andreas Kuhn (Uplands) shared gold after a riveting photo sprint finish.

The standard of racing was very impressive in this tough Olympic discipline of mountain biking.

The final race of the series will be held on the 13^th of September at Mankele Bike Park.

Press Release: The Wildevy MTB Challenge

Last Saturday the Wildevy MTB race was held in the small town of Burgersfort for the second year running. Race organisers and owners of Kusile guest house Pieter and Driekie Heyns’ hard work payed off as participants raved about the quality of the riding and vibe of the race. “It is very special and definitely worth your while to go there any weekend, get permission and do them over and over and over… It is clear that the organisers went to a lot of trouble to make it a special event with a big marquis tent to rest our weary limbs. A face cloth to wipe the dust from my face at the finish line is quite original. The food tent that had a stream of “boeries” and pancakes coming the riders way, did a very good job. [Pieter and Driekie] ensured that riders enjoyed great single track and with 300 entrants, it is growing in popularity.” Jan Delport.

In the 35km half marathon, a quartet made up of Franco Pelser, Moima Blessing, Martin Oosthuizen and Reyno Beukes finished within seconds of each other, 8 minutes ahead of the closest contender. Pelser, Oosthuizen and Beukes, all of Team Valencia worked well as a team to maintain the gap on their rivals. In the ladies race, Mandie Swart showed great form by taking the overall win. Tyneale Terry took 9^th overall and 2^nd Junior behind Valencia teammate Mandie Swart.

In the 70km Marathon ladies race, Valencia’s Samantha Sanders came 2^nd to Yolandi Du Toit by a few minutes. Both ladies, who raced in the Marathon World Champs held in Pietermaritzburg a month ago, showed their class coming 9^th and 11^th in the field and beating their nearest competition by just under an hour.

Sanders experimented with the “in between” wheel size, riding her teammate Amy McDougall’s Scott Scale 650B “It is plenty faster out of the corners with a smaller wheel to turn and climbing is definitely easier. The 29er does however out run it on the long flats & of course it rolls over anything!” Says Sanders

In the 20km race, Ryan Terry won the race overall in an impressive time of 46:59, 6 minutes ahead of second place. Monique Swart took gold in the Sub Junior category.

The men’s race finished in a sprint between Lowveld Locals: Nico Bell and Max Knox with Ben-Melt Swannepoel of Heidelberg rounding up the podium.

Drieke and Pieter Heyns will definitely be hosting the Wildevy next year and expect an even bigger field of riders from across the country.

Wildevy MTB - Race Report by Samantha Sanders

Burgersfort in Limpopo is a town better known for its Platinum mines & surrounding farm regions. Why then did the V team find themselves in the area on 26 July? Well, this past weekend was the annual Clemen Gold Wildevy MTB Race. A relatively new race with its first event being held in 2012. The race takes place in the Watervalsrivier pass between Lydenburg and Burgersfort on the northern edge of Mpumalanga. What makes the race quite unique is the terrain. It is part bushveld, part subtropical. At times you find yourself winding along bushveld single tracks in between Acacia trees and the next along a river with magnificent Wild Fig trees shading you from the Lowveld sun. 

The route, in a single word, is FUN. With very little climbing and a fair amount of lekker single track, the race is a social riders dream. From the trails, it is very evident that the organisers put particular effort and care into the race and the trails. The single track was smooth and very flowing. The event was well organised, well marked & the vibe was light-hearted. With our very own Driekie & Pieter Heyns involved with the organisation, one can tell that they have attended a number of events and taken notes! They have catered this event around the rider and what we love! Good organisation, fun course, decent prizes for our efforts as well as a free bike wash!!

Kusile Guest House (owned by Driekie & Pieter Heyns) was the luxurious host to all riders registering for the race and they also offered discounted rates to all cyclists participating in the event! On arrival I was met by many familiar faces. There were enough local Pros present to make the race a Provincial Championship. Even the adopted Lowvelders, Benmelt Swanepoel & Yolandi Du Toit had arrived for the event. After a swift registration we sat down to dinner at the Guest House which, needless to say, was delicious.

The race started at a very reasonable 8am. There were 3 distances: 70km, 35km and 20km. This was a maiden voyage for me on a 650B Scott Scale. Yolandi and I were all smiles and banter in the start chute, and I myself was looking forward to a little more of a chilled ride. However, from the start it was clear that it was full on racing as normal with Landi pushing the pace hard. In the end, she beat me to the finish line with her frenetic cadence on the long flats and no epic downhills for me to take advantage of. 

The 650B was a super awesome ride. The most obvious difference between it and the 29er is its agility and super responsiveness. For someone of my stature it is a lot more nimble than the larger 29er. It is plenty faster out of the corners with a smaller wheel to turn and climbing is definitely easier. The 29er does however out run it on the long flats & of course it rolls over anything! Although I had a fat jol riding the bike, I would not say I am converted. I think that both have their application and their advantages and disadvantages.

In the end, the race was won by RECM rider Nico Bell, Max Knox 2^nd & Benmelt Swanepoel rounded off the podium. In the Woman’s overall Yolandi Du Toit was queen bee, myself 2^nd and Santie Van der Westhuizen crossed the line for 3^rd.

The half Marathon was totally dominated by the Valencia Juniors.

Ryan Terry was a cool 7 minutes ahead of his closest completion in the sub junior boys. And we had a V team 1/2 in both the junior boys and girl’s category with Mandy Swart 1^st & Tyneale Terry 2^nd in the girls. Franco Pelser and Martin Oosthuizen took 1^st and 2^nd in junior men and Reyno Buekes just missing podium to come 4^th. Even our Coach, Bosseau Boshoff enjoyed a day out on his MTB and finished 4^th in his age category- not bad for a Roadie! Big Mike Terry cruised home into 6^th position.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable day out with friends in support of local racing.

The V team would like to thank our sponsor, Valencia Cycles for their ongoing support in the activity we love most- Racing Bicycles! Also a massive thank you to Kusile Guest House, Driekie & Pieter for their hospitality. And personally to all my sponsors: Valencia, Adidas Eyewear, Powerbar & Continental - THANKS!