Max Knox continued his winning ways in round six of the National MTB Series at Dullstroom at the weekend, taking the honours ahead of Gawie Combrinck and Matthys Beukes.
It was the fourth series win in succession for Knox (Lowveld Tractors), who wrapped up the 2016 men’s series title with a perfect score of 16 000.
Max Knox (left) and Gawie Combrinck (right) battle it out on an early climb at the National MTB Series. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
The best five results are used after the seventh and final round to determine the final standings, but, with four victories, Knox cannot be overtaken.
He just needs to finish and to score some points to stay ahead of defending champion Nico Bell.
The full SCOTT LCB Factory Racing team of Gert Heyns, Arno du Toit, Philip Buys and Beukes ensured the race started fast and split quite early on.
The small lead pack of eight comprised three members of the SCOTT LCB team, as well as Matt Beers (Red-E Cannondale), Combrinck, Knox and Johann Rabie (Team Telkom).
At the 55km mark, Knox set the pace on the race’s big climb and he proved too quick for his rivals.
“Everything went perfectly for me today. The bunch was a bit smaller but it was a quality field.
“The SCOTT LCB guys were very positive and pushed the pace hard from the beginning. I knew they’d struggle towards the end, though, because they’ve focussed mainly on XC this year and aren’t used to the longer duration of these ultra-marathons,” said Knox.
Robyn de Groot sets the pace and makes easy work of the Dullstroom’s higher altitude at the National MTB Series. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
Robyn de Groot (Ascendis Health) claimed the women’s race for her third win in the series, putting her in contention to retain the title with a good finish in the final round next month.
Amy Beth McDougall (Valencia), second at the weekend, still leads the women’s series with 16 514 points, while Samantha Sanders (Valencia), third at Dullstroom, is a close third on 14 960.
A group comprising De Groot, McDougall and Sanders formed at the front early on.
Sanders dropped off the pace at around 12km and then McDougall dropped at about 18km, leaving De Groot in the lead for most of the race. The Ascendis Health rider kept a steady pace to the finish.
“This was an important win for me and my sponsors. They’ve been very patient in letting me take the time to get back after my injury. I’m happy with this one,” said De Groot.
The overall series will only be determined in the final round and all the top five women are in contention.
The series moves to Limpopo for round seven on October 15.
View the full results here.
