Multiple South African marathon mountain biking champion Robyn de Groot took the overall win in the solo women’s category in the three-day GR300 that finished at Simola Country Hotel in Knysna today.
The Team Ascendis rider won the third and final stage over 75km to cement her overall victory in 8:27:39.
“I knew today would probably be one of the harder days, especially after the last two days in the heat,” said De Groot.
Robyn de Groot (left) on her way to winning the 2017 GR300 in Knysna. Photo: Julie Ann Photography
“I think the heat played a huge factor – 37 degrees Celsius in autumn is quite something special.”
De Groot said she moved into the lead with about 20km to go on the final day.
“It was all plain sailing from there and overall a worthwhile exercise for three decent days of mountain biking in some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. I think it is such an underrated and under-visited part of the country in terms of racing and it is just so wonderful to come and race here.”
De Groot lost some time on the first day after stopping to assist a fellow participant with a mechanical problem.
“I think I lost a little bit of time there, but I still raced really nice and hard.
“The second day I had a mechanical and landed up hitting a branch which shattered one of my jockey wheels, so I lost some time there. It was really nice that the locals and other riders helped me and I was able to finish the stage.”
She said the Knysna race was an important build-up event for sani2c, which starts on May 11.
“I came to the GR300 thinking it would be a great three-day stage race and a nice build-up towards sani2c.”
Gavin Wood won the solo men’s race.
Team honours went to Shan Wilson and Brandon Stewart in the men’s section and Yolande de Villiers and Neill Ungerer in the mixed.
