The Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge women’s race was won by Danish world cross country champion Annika Langvad today.
South African XCM champion Robyn de Groot (Ascendis Health) was second with Swedish marathon champion Jennie Stenerhag (Spur) completing the podium.
Ariane Lüthi (Team Spur), the Swiss champion, finished fourth, with South Africa’s Amy Beth McDougall in fifth.
Annika Langvad on her way to victory and a new course record at the Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge today. Photo: Ewald Sadie
Langvad, who rides for Specialized, showed her form when she summited the Son-Op climb 15 seconds ahead of De Groot and Stenerhag about 30km into the race.
De Groot and Stennerhag then rejoined Langvad and the trio entered the Attakwas Reserve together with De Groot impressing on one of the technical climbs, riding away briefly from Langvad and Stenerhag, who had to climb off and push.
But Langvad was in her element through the Attakwas Reserve. She took the lead, claimed the Queen of the Mountain title and went through waterpoint four (with 35km remaining) holding a 2:00 lead over De Groot.
“I had a really good time. I tried to keep reminding myself to just enjoy this. But you know, when you’re sitting there pedalling in so much pain, it’s hard to enjoy the views,” said Langvad.
“But when I did look up it was amazing, especially coming out of the Attakwas valley. It was so beautiful, but you could have turned down the headwind at the end of it.”
The men’s race was won by Christoph Sauser.
*More to follow
