Jennie Stenerhag appreciated ‘tough’ TransBreede Ultra route

Jennie Stenerhag appreciated the toughness of the route for the 120km TransBreede Ultra mountain-bike challenge in Rawsonville yesterday.

Stenerhag won by 20 minutes from Carmen Buchacher, with Candice Lill finishing third.

The TransBreede route will be part of the Cape Epic to be held in March.

Stenerhag made no bones about its nature. “It was very tough riding,” she told In the Bunch today.

“It was tough in a different way. There were many sandy areas and a lot of rocks.

“There were also harsh climbs and many single tracks, particularly in the last 40km.

“Before the 80km mark, there were flat and winding sections, which made it almost impossible for any rider to get away.”

Despite the demanding route, Stenerhag surprised herself. “I had not prepared as I normally do for other races. I trained quite hard during the week.

“I thought I was going to be tired but it went very well.

“I’m glad I have seen the route ahead of the Epic and I’m obviously happy with the result,” she added.

The race got off to a fast start and the field began spreading out after about 20km.

“That’s when we hit the first sand. Candice got a bit ahead there because I was behind some other riders,” Stenerhag said.

“We rode together until the water point at 80km but I knew there was a climb straight after that. I decided that was my chance to try to get away.

“I wanted to be ahead at the water point to ensure I would be first to start the climb. It worked out and I didn’t see Candice again.

“I thought, at times, she would catch me, but I managed to open quite a big gap,” she added.

Stenerhag felt the race had provided good preparation for the rest of the season.

“When you race a lot, you always have a purpose for every event. For this one it was to see part of the Cape Epic route. I’m happy I did it. I felt good.”

The CBC/Åbro rider will now compete in the Simonsberg Contour MTB stage race next weekend.