The second edition of the Varsity MTB Challenge started at Nederburg Winery, just outside of Paarl in the Western Cape, today.
The weekend consisted of two stages of more or less 50km in and around the Paarl and Winelands area.
Stage one
The opening stage saw Maties put in a strong performance when they won both the men and women’s team categories in the Varsity Sports Competition.
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- The Maties cycling team leads the pack on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- The UCT cycling team in action on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Mountain bikers at the start line on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Teams in action soon after the start of day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A motorbike rider’s view of the mountain bikers on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A beautiful view of Paarl in the background on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- William Mokgopo in action on the trails on day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- William Mokgopo waiting to start day one of the Varsity MTB Challenge just outside of Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
Stage two
An action-packed final stage saw UCT come from behind to take the overall honours for the men’s competition while Maties dominated once again in the women’s race.
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- Maties Cycling team ready for the second day of the Varsity MTB Challenge. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- A Maties cyclists leads the competition along dirt roads on the second day of the Varsity MTB Challenge. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- NMU’s Nicolene Marais and the team were all smiles before they started the final stage of the Varsity MTB Challenge in Paarl. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- A happy participant proudly shows off their finishers medal at the Varsity MTB Challenge. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- A participant cools off after hot temperatures made for tiring riding on the second day of the Varsity MTB Challenge in Paarl. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- A tuks rider who had a rougher ride than some shows off her war wounds after completing the Varsity MTB Challenge. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
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- Michelle Benson chats to the media after a successful Varsity MTB Challenge in Paarl this weekend. Photo: Kevin Sawyer
