Dutch mountain biker Ramses Bekkenk won the 36ONE MTB Challenge in a new record time in Oudtshoorn today.
The KMC-Fruit to Go rider, who claimed victory in 13:59:55, rode solo for 270km after Jean Biermans double flatted while sharing the lead with him shortly after the first checkpoint.
Bekkenk punctured 15km before reaching this checkpoint, but managed to repair the flat and rejoin the leading group, before changing wheels.
Ramses Bekkenk secured a new course record in the 36ONE MTB Challenge in Oudtshoorn today. Photo: Oakpics.com
“It was very difficult to judge your effort,” said Bekkenk.
“I could not see my Garmin so I did not know how fast I was going. I was worried I was maybe going too slowly or even too fast.
“It was mentally very challenging.”
When the sun rose and he realised he was in with a shot of breaking the course record he put the hammer down.
“I saw I had an hour and ten minutes to do the last 40km and I knew it was mostly downhill so I pushed really hard.”
Bennie Viljoen took second in 15:04:06, while Dusty Day rounded out the podium with a time of 15:18:44.
In the women’s race, Jeannie Dreyer was the first one to complete the 361km route and claimed victory in 16:59:27 – which was 27 minutes slower than the record she set in 2015.
“It was just a matter of keeping my wheels and pedals turning,” said Dreyer.
“I burnt all my matches following the guys yesterday, so this morning was very tough.
“Martin’s saying from his adventure racing days is that you do not quit until you are stretched off the course and I used that to keep me going.”
Johanna Josten and Tracy Campbell placed second and third in 18:06:43 and 18:54:32.
