Defending champions Stellenbosch made an early statement in the defence of their Varsity MTB Challenge title when they crossed the line first in the opening stage near Paarl today.
The competition, which started and finished at the Nederburg wine farm, involves men’s and women’s teams competing for the honour of being crowned South Africa’s mountain biking champions.
Although teammate Jacques Lloyd fell back in the latter stages of the route, Tristan de Lange and Rinus Maarsingh led the Maties challenge to finish in 2:08:17.
They were followed home by University of Cape Town, who registered a time of 2:09:31, with the University of Pretoria completing the podium in 2:13:01.
Tristan de Lange leads the Stellenbosch University team as they set the pace on the opening stage of the Varsity MTB Challenge at the Nederburg wine farm near Paarl today. The defending champions won the stage in a time of 2:08:17. Photo: Rob Ward
De Lange said they had been tested on the 50km route, with some loose areas and a windy climb up Dutoitskloof Pass.
“There were a number of tricky, sharp turns and, in the conditions, you had to keep your wits about you. Even when we hit the relatively easier gravel road sections, the wind hurt you so we were kept on our limit.”
After he and Maarsingh made a break on the 15km climb early in the stage, De Lange said his partner had a tumble, which allowed the group to close on them.
With Lloyd also back in the fold, De Lange said they then worked with UCT to maintain a constant speed until the 40km mark.
“We then turned up the pace on one of the single-track uphills and dropped one of the UCT riders. Unfortunately, Jacques went down at that point and did not make it back across to us.
“From there we held it all the way to the finish.”
The Stellenbosch women’s team of Frances du Toit, Nicky Giliomee and Marie Kempf also came home first, their time of 2:38:39 giving them a four-point cushion over Tuks (2:42:40). North-West were a distant third in 2:49:42.
The Stellenbosch University women’s team of, from left, Frances du Toit, Nicky Giliomee and Marie Kempf will be the team to beat after taking a four-minute lead on the opening stage of the Varsity MTB Challenge at Nederburg wine farm near Paarl today. Photo: Luke Thorrold
While they controlled the First National Bank-sponsored race from the outset, Du Toit said there were some uncomfortable moments when the wind picked up on Du Toitskloof.
“I don’t think I have ever experienced such wind on a bike,” said the U23 national cross-country champion. “You would come around a corner and literally stop dead, so that made it quite tough.
“Nicky and I rode together and Marie was riding back-up. We managed to get a lead about 2km into the race, so we were by ourselves for the whole stage.”
Tomorrow’s stage will take place over 58km with 1 600m of climbing towards Wellington.
