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Sanlam MTB Invitational: See the best photos

November 18, 2017, 12:18 pm By In the Bunch

View some of the best photos taken during the Sanlam MTB Invitational that took place in Paarl this weekend.

Photos courtesy of Robert Ward

Stage one 

Stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational covered 60km from Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Riders traversed the mountain clock-wise this year, which meant that most of the climbing was done in the first half. The stage included some wonderful downhill singletrack sections, riding through various wine estates and orchards, as well as numerous new custom built trails. The win went to Flandria’s Rossouw Bekker and Robert Hobson.

A mixed team rides through a tunnel during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
A mixed team rides through a tunnel during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
Robert Hobson leads the bunch during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Robert Hobson leads the bunch during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
Robert Hobson crossed a bridge during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational
Robert Hobson crossed a bridge during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward

Robert Hobson and Rossouw Bekker are all smiles after winning stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Robert Hobson and Rossouw Bekker are all smiles after winning stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
The leading bunch consisted of Robert Hobson, Rossouw Bekker, Pieter Seyffert and Hanco Kachelhoffer on stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
The leading bunch consisted of Robert Hobson, Rossouw Bekker, Pieter Seyffert and Hanco Kachelhoffer on stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
Rossouw Bekker and Pieter Seyffert soon after the start of stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Rossouw Bekker and Pieter Seyffert soon after the start of stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward

A team are all smiles on stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
A team are all smiles on stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
A Sanlam team in action during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
A Sanlam team in action during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward

Stage two

The second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational consisted of a 40km clover leaf journey from Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. The first part of the route was mild and scenic. Thereafter, riders started to climb up the mountain on some single track into the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. They did a shorter loop on top of the mountain via Kristi’s Camp before they dropped back into Rhebokskloof via its re-sculpted single-track. Flandria’s Rossouw Bekker and Robert Hobson walked away with the title after winning the second stage as well.

Pictured is ASG Events' race director Darren Herbst briefing the riders before stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Pictured is ASG Events’ race director Darren Herbst briefing the riders before stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
An image om some of the riders during the second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
An image om some of the riders during the second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
Some friendly riders on route during the stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Some friendly riders on route during the stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward

Overall winners Rossouw Bekker (front) and Robert Hobson in action on stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational.
Overall winners Rossouw Bekker (front) and Robert Hobson in action on stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
An action photo of a Sanlam MTB Invitational riders during the second stage of the event.
An action photo of a Sanlam MTB Invitational riders during the second stage of the event. Photo: Robert Ward
An image of the start of stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl.
An image of the start of stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward

The second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational consisted of a 40km clover leaf race from Rhebokskloof Wine Estate.
The second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational consisted of a 40km clover leaf race from Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Photo: Robert Ward
Some of the Sanlam MTB Invitational riders celebrate their victory on completing the two-day stage race.
Some of the Sanlam MTB Invitational riders celebrate their victory on completing the two-day stage race. Photo: Robert Ward

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