Andrew Hill and Shaun-Nick Bester managed to overcome obstacles on the final joBerg2c racing stage that finished in Jolivet today.
Bester said the day did not go as planned as they suffered a puncture early on in the 97km race.
“Andrew got a puncture before we reached the Umko Drop. We tried to quickly plug it, ride back and catch everyone to ensure we get into the drop ideally in first position.
“We didn’t manage that and got into the drop in about 20th position. We tried to pass riders on the downhill and managed to pass all of them except HB [Kruger] and Matthys [Beukes] who were already up ahead.
“We didn’t really try and catch the duo as we’ve already won overall and our plan was just to keep our bikes in one piece and get to the finish.”
Bester said he also suffered a crash after this and had to stop to straighten his handlebar.
“We then decided to take it easy going down there and start winding it up on the way back out of the valley.”
He added that they were very happy with the win.
“Thank you to everyone who stood by us through difficult times and believed in us throughout the year.
“We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s neutral stage and just enjoying it.”
Sarah Hill, who won the women’s team race alongside Theresa Ralph, said it felt good to finish strong and that they had a great day as a team.
“We like flying the women’s team flag high with top notch standard racing. We went flat out every day, and it was so worth it.
“Today’s stage had two major features, which were the Umko Drop and the Iconic climb. It was so much fun descending the Umko having my partner right on my tail. Theresa climbed like a demon up Iconic, and I just held on for dear life.”
Ralph said they were looking forward to the final neutral stage tomorrow and that they would ride with the backmarkers and mingle.
“Tomorrow is picture-day and fun-day. What a way to finish nine days of amazing mountain biking.”
The final 86km route will finish at the Scottburgh Golf Club.
More results can be viewed below.
Andrew Hill (left) and Shaun-Nick Bester won this year’s joBerg2c after the final racing stage finished in Jolivet today. Photo: Matthew Volek
Stage eight results
Men’s teams
1. Andrew Hill & Shaun-Nick Bester (Darkhorse Wheels-Insured by TIB) 3:54:43
2. Luke Evans & Craig Uria (Sage Racing) 4:04:37
3. Julian Gavillet & Ecoffey Sylvain (Sylvains Team) 4:11:27
4. Gerrie Beukes & Johan Labuschagne (Cool Beans) 4:01:34
5. Darren Constantinou & Craig Kingham (Team Sage 2) 4:25:20
Women’s teams
1. Sarah Hill & Theresa Ralph (Galileo Risk) 4:18:17
2. Auralia Edwards & Gina Wills (Seattle Speed)
Mixed teams
1. Michael Posthumus & Amy McDougall (dormakaba Mixed) 4:01:31
2. Ben Melt Swanepoel & Yolandi du Toit (Garmin) 4:26:08
3. Overney Corinne & Vincent Flueck (Ekibike-Dupasquier Sports) 4:59:19
4. Amy van Zuydam & Wessel Burger (FRIB – Mixed A) 4:54:01
5. Kirsty Searle & Des Searle (The Sixes) 5:06:41
Solo men
1. Matthys Beukes 3:35:13
2. HB Kruger 3:41:30
3. Kristof Sterckx 4:10:47
4. Riaan Weideman 4:23:35
5. Kristof de Neys 4:26:08
Solo women
1. Sandra Hart 4:37:04
2. Monica Glover 4:42:23
3. Yvette Roberts 5:09:03
General classification
Men’s teams
1. Andrew Hill & Shaun-Nick Bester (Darkhorse Wheels-Insured by TIB) 31:09:28
2. Luke Evans & Craig Uria (Sage Racing) 32:34:52
3. Julian Gavillet & Ecoffey Sylvain (Sylvains Team) 32:51:06
4. Gerrie Beukes & Johan Labuschagne (Cool Beans) 32:59:03
5. Darren Constantinou & Craig Kingham (Team Sage 2) 35:03:36
Women’s teams
1. Sarah Hill & Theresa Ralph (Galileo Risk) 34:41:22
2. Auralia Edwards & Gina Wills (Seattle Speed)
Mixed teams
1. Michael Posthumus & Amy McDougall (dormakaba Mixed) 32:42:21
2. Ben Melt Swanepoel & Yolandi du Toit (Garmin) 36:01:09
3. Overney Corinne & Vincent Flueck (Ekibike-Dupasquier Sports) 37:52:16
4. Amy van Zuydam & Wessel Burger (FRIB – Mixed A) 38:46:11
5. Kirsty Searle & Des Searle (The Sixes) 39:58:09
Solo men
1. Matthys Beukes 30:33:10
2. HB Kruger 32:02:59
3. Kristof Sterckx 34:21:44
4. Riaan Weideman 34:36:10
5. Kristof de Neys 34:54:48
Solo women
1. Sandra Hart 36:21:42
2. Monica Glover 38:06:44
3. Yvette Roberts 40:12:58
