The Storms River Traverse mountain bike race finished with a scenic ride through the Tsitsikamma Forest on Monday that saw Etnard Louw and Hanco Kachelhoffer emerge as the overall winners.
Despite heavy rains on Sunday night, riders enjoyed clear skies for the third and final stage. The route was the wettest of the race, but the muddy conditions did not curb the riders’ enthusiasm.
The race leaders crossing the Storms River during day three of the Storms River Traverse. Photo by: Oakpics.com
Despite a spectacular crash on a muddy descent, Louw and his teammate Kachelhoffer won the stage comfortably and claimed the overall victory.
Yolande de Villiers and Neill Ungerer had a successful ride in the mixed category, taking the stage and general classification victory.
With the Cape Brewing Co women dropping out of contention, Wendy Brand and Tania Hanekom went on to win the women’s team category.
Muddy conditions at the water points had the support crew working overtime as the riders refuelled for the rest of the course.
The third stage offered competitors indigenous forest sections with sunlight breaking through the canopy. The average pace dropped for the final stage, possibly due to this scenery, as riders soaked up the final moments of the three-day-race.
A delicious lunch awaited riders after the finish and competitors were already talking about next year’s event, which will take place from August 4 to 6.
Go to Storms River Traverse for more news, results and photos.
