Erik Kleinhans successfully defended his title at the Fedhealth MTB Challenge which took place at Meerendal Wine Estate today.
Competition was rife in the men’s 65km race with Kleinhans, James Reid and Konny Looser forming part of the lead group.
Erik Kleinhans successfully defended his Fedhealth MTB Challenge title today. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“I didn’t expect there to be so many strong riders. We were still part of a big group of riders when we reached the first big climb,” said Kleinhans.
The three worked together until the second last climb at Dorstberg where Reid launched a big attack, but he overexerted himself on the Quarry climb, resulting in Kleinhans and Looser passing him, with the latter taking second place.
Finishing second to Erik feels good. I just came back from a long off season in Europe, so I am happy to be able to hold the wheels of the fast riders,” said Looser.
The women’s 65km title was clinched by Vera Adrian, with Katie Lennard in second and Ila Stow in third.
“There was a lot of climbing, but the route was super, real mountain biking. Katie surprised me. She caught me on the last climb and I had to work hard to pass her. This was definitely my hardest finish to a MTB race,” said Adrian.
View the results here.
