Luyanda Thobingunya and Dale Clough claimed victory in the 60km men’s and women’s race on stage one of the Origin of Trails in Stellenbosch yesterday.
Thobingunya won in 3:03:14 and was followed home by Ian Hadlow in 3:04:30 and Tim Ziehl in 3:05:00.
Clough claimed victory in 3:20:49 with Belinda Marais and Ariane Lüthi rouding out the podium in 3:27:03 and 3:32:57.
Mountain biking elites such as Christoph Sauser, Erik Kleinhans, Robyn de Groot and Lüthi were seen letting down their hair before crossing the finish line at the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate.
“The stage was really nice. There’s enough racing to be done in January, so taking part in a relaxing event such as this is a welcomed change,” said Sauser.
Andrea Marcellini takes on stage one of the Origin Of Trails dressed as a super hero. Photo: Tobias Ginsberg
“Kleinhans and I rode at a steady pace. It was like going for a big ride with friends.”
I loved riding the trails, feeling no pressure, stopping at the water points and even going for a swim. My plan for tomorrow is to do the exact same,” said De Groot.
In the 30km Jamie Penfold and Vicky Van Der Merwe both celebrated their Origin Of Trails debut and victory on the day.
“I’m familiar with a lot of the trails in Stellenbosch. Today’s stage was very nice. There was a lot of single track,” said Penfold.
