Ariane Kleinhans showed consistent form with her second victory in a row at the National MTB Series race at Rooiberg on Saturday.
Fresh from her win in Ballito, Kleinhans ascended to the top step of the women’s podium, with Robyn de Groot second and Cherise Stander third.
While the route was relatively flat, the dusty and rocky conditions and high temperatures made for a hotly contested and tactical race.
Kleinhans, De Groot, Stander and Candice Neethling got away early in the race.
“I could get a gap at one point, but Cherise and Robyn caught me on the flat and we rode together for a while,” said the Kleinhans.
After winning the queen of the mountain hotspot at 21km, Stander took a tumble that saw her drop off the group.
Kleinhans said De Groot had been her biggest challenger throughout the race.
“I tried very hard to drop her on occasion but she managed to stick to the wheel for the whole race and it came down to a sprint finish.
“I reacted early and manage to outsprint Robyn in the last corner for the line.”
The Swiss rider said it would be her last race of the series, as her focus would now shift back to Europe, where she will take part in some cross-country races before returning to South Africa later this year.
For more news. photos and results see Rooiberg.
