Matthys Beukes and Candice Lill proved to be deadly on the climbs as they won the final round of the National MTB Series that took place in Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga, this weekend.
PYGA EuroSteel’s Philip Buys led the overall standings as riders lined up for the start of the misty 64.6km opening stage on Saturday, but it was his teammate and runner-up Beukes that made his presence felt first.
Matthys Beukes won the final round of the National MTB Series, which took place in Kaapsehoop this weekend. Photo: Chris Brooke
Beukes put his climbing skills to good use as he quickly made his way to the finish, completing the opening stage in 2:41:13, two minutes ahead of Buys.
Nico Bell, who was third on the overall standings, was absent from the event and it was HB Kruger that quickly filled the void. The BCX rider was not far behind the pair and finished third in 2:51:40.
Like Beukes, Lill made the most of the challenging first day and easily outpaced the women. The dormakaba rider won stage one with a time of 3:13:01, 10 minutes ahead of Yolandi du Toit. Dalene van der Leek rounded out the podium.
The second day saw the sun come out as riders tackled the 56.3km route, but little changed in terms of results.
Beukes proved once again to be the man to beat as he crossed the line one minute ahead of Buys. HB Kruger was a few second off the pace as he completed the top three for the day and the weekend.
After 120.9km of racing, Beukes rode away champion for the weekend with a total time of 4:57:29.
Lill extended her lead as she made it two from two and took the overall title for the weekend, finishing 14th overall, with a time of 5:57:46.
