The Ellsworth-ASG outfit of Pieter Seyffert and Travis Walker claimed overall victory in the TransCape mountain bike race after winning the final stage from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek today.
It was a major boost for the new pro team, who rode together for the first time when they lined up in Knysna last Sunday for the seven-day, 690km race to Franschhoek in the Western Cape.
The Ellsworth-ASG outfit of Travis Walker (left) and Pieter Seyffert toast a new partnership after winning the men’s team title in the TransCape mountain bike race following the final 78.5km stage from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek.The seven-day, 690km journey, which started in Knysna, ended at the La Couronne Wine Estate in Franschhoek.Photo: Jacques Marais
They were followed in the general classification by the Belgian team of Eddy Feliers and Kristof de Neys (Cicero Baik), with David and William Wertheim Aymes (Bromance) completing the podium.
Today’s route over 78.5km from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek presented the riders with the famous Groenlandberg climb, which Walker described as “a real test”.
“It’s a hard climb due to the terrain, with lots of sand and rocks,” said the 25-year-old from Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal. “But once you get to the top the views are amazing.”
Competing in the TransCape for the first time, Walker described the week as a wonderful experience.
“We used this race so Pieter and I could get to know each other and I feel the partnership has worked well.
“I think as the year goes on Pieter and I will get stronger and work even better together.”
Reflecting on the week, Walker said his best moment was the fifth stage on Thursday when the pair, who had built up a comfortable lead, rode with the peloton for the day.
“As a professional, for me to ride with these guys and to see their determination and passion for cycling was an eye-opener. It showed just what spirit and camaraderie there is on the TransCape.”
The 30-year-old Seyffert from Helderkruin on the West Rand said the final day had thrown up a few examinations up the Groenlandberg and Franschhoek Pass climbs.
“It was a tough day because the climbs were loose and rocky and you are not completely done after conquering Groenlandberg,” he said.
“But Franschhoek is one of my favourite climbs, being gradual and steady, and then there is the awesome finish at La Couronne Wine Estate.”
Seyffert said he was excited about the partnership with Walker.
“I’m very happy with the way things went and as I only started training in January, I believe once I’m in good shape we will really do well together.”
Volvo’s Michelle Naude joins the Spar team of Hannele Steyn (left) and Catherine Williamson (right) to celebrate their victory in the mixed category of the TransCape mountain bike race after the final 78.5km stage from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek.The seven-day, 690km journey, which started in Knysna, ended at the La Couronne Wine Estate. Photo: Jacques Marais
He said the moments that stood out for him were the evening functions, which exemplified the spirit of the tour.
“These are the heart of the race where everyone shares their war storieswhile enjoying a bottle of wine in a relaxed environment. That really sticks in my mind.”
The Spar team of Catherine Williamson, from north Yorkshire in Britain, and Cape Town’s Hannele Steyn rode to first place on the podium after opting the compete inthe mixed category.
Ian and Jane Seggie filled second spot with Matthias and Denise Kubli placing third.
The 34-year-old Williamson said the race had been tougher than expected but a “perfect season-opener”.
“It’s always nice to do a race at the beginning of the year when there’s not too much pressure and the legs are in winter mode.”
The 51-year-old Steyn, from Durbanville, paid tribute to the race organisers from ASG Events, whom she described as “being from a different world”.
“You know, each race has something which makes it special and in this race the organisation is incredible. They are always there to help you and nothing is too much for them to do.
“The Volvo involvement was incredible and the drivers treated us like queens getting us from place to place.”
Defending champion Billy Stelling took his sixth stage in row to keep the solo men’s title, with Karl Dossche of Belgium finishing second and Alan Tilling third.
Alma Colyn completed a clean sweep of all seven stages to win the women’s solo category, ahead of Chandre Wertheim Aymes.
