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.
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- A mixed team rides through a tunnel during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Robert Hobson leads the bunch during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Robert Hobson crossed a bridge during stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Robert Hobson and Rossouw Bekker are all smiles after winning stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- 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
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- Rossouw Bekker and Pieter Seyffert soon after the start of stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- A team are all smiles on stage one of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- 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.
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- Pictured is ASG Events’ race director Darren Herbst briefing the riders before stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- An image om some of the riders during the second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Some friendly riders on route during the stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Overall winners Rossouw Bekker (front) and Robert Hobson in action on stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational. Photo: Robert Ward
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- An action photo of a Sanlam MTB Invitational riders during the second stage of the event. Photo: Robert Ward
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- An image of the start of stage two of the Sanlam MTB Invitational at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl. Photo: Robert Ward
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- The second stage of the Sanlam MTB Invitational consisted of a 40km clover leaf race from Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Photo: Robert Ward
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- Some of the Sanlam MTB Invitational riders celebrate their victory on completing the two-day stage race. Photo: Robert Ward
