Young mountain bikers Brendon Davids and Candice Parker-Dennison claimed the men’s and women’s titles in the 45km Sappi Scottburgh Classic on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on Sunday.
Local Candice Parker-Dennison claimed her first victory in the 45km Sappi Scottburgh Classic. Photo:Finish Line Photos/
Gameplan Media
Davids beat Kargo Pro MTB teammate Alan Hatherly in the hilly and fast-paced race, while Parker-Dennison took a symbolic victory on Women’s Day.
Davids said it was a welcome win after a long, dry spell this season.
“I haven’t had a season filled with luck, so hopefully this is the turning point for the last quarter of my season!”
After the neutral zone from Scottburgh Main Beach, the two Kargo Pro riders quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field on the first climb of the day.
They worked together over the undulating route until they got to the J&D Scaffolding Bridge approaching the beach, where Davids used his cyclo-cross skills to dismount and get the edge over Hatherly in a brief portage section.
“Alan tried to weasel his way through by trying to ride through the sand but fortunately I managed to get back on ahead of him and take the win,” laughed Davids.
Hatherly claimed the runner-up spot and the king of the mountains prize, while Duane Stander rounded out the podium.
To mark Women’s Day, the female riders occupied the front row on the start line and led the field through the neutral zone.
Pre-race favourite Parker-Dennison got the jump on her rivals and went clear of the field to ride solo for most of the day and take an uncontested win.
“Being a Scottburgh local I knew exactly where to go, where the hills were and when to push it, which was a big help,” explained Parker-Dennison.
For more news see Scottburgh MTB Classic.
