Yolande de Villiers claimed her fifth win in the Herald Cycle Tour MTB race in Addo, just outside Port Elizabeth, today.
Yolande de Villiers claimed her fifth win in the Herald Cycle Tour MTB race in Addo, just outside Port Elizabeth, today. Photo: ZC Marketing Consulting
De Villiers, who was competing in the 80km race for the fifth time, showed her dominance from the beginning.
“We had a mass start so I was just following the wheels of the guys in front of me.
“I got away in the first section during the beginning part of the race,” said De Villiers, who managed to keep the gap between her and the rest of the women’s field.
She eventually finished just over 12 minutes ahead of Yolandi du Toit.
Anriette Schoeman completed the podium.
“I’m feeling fantastic and so happy to have pulled off another win,” said the 47-year-old, who rides for Team Altes Landhaus powered by Madmacs Kawasaki.
“I’m also blessed and grateful that I had the tempo to be able to do it.”
De Villiers said even though it was a hot and humid day she felt good from the start.
“I had good legs and form.
“Regarding the route, the downhill section after Zuurberg Pass was definitely longer. It was beautiful and flowing. I think there was a bit more climbing too. All in all, it was a very good route and I enjoyed it.
“Also, well done to the organisers. It was a fantastic event with beautiful routes. We’re spoilt with stunning singletrack in the Eastern Cape.
“From my point of view I will always be back. It’s really nice racing here in this province,” said the Oudtshoorn local.
De Villiers will now shift her focus to endurance racing as she prepares to tackle Karooburn in Calvinia next Saturday.
“It’s very long, 242km, so it’s a bit of a change switching over to endurance now.”
