Arno du Toit claimed his first title in his second attempt at The MTB Challenge in Stellenbosch yesterday.
Arno du Toit claimed his maiden win in The MTB Challenge in Stellenbosch yesterday. Photo: Ernestine Safar
The DSV rider, who finished fifth two years ago, won the 60km mountain bike race in 2:31:30.
Team First Move’s Jaco Venter crossed the line just over a minute and a half later (2:33:07), with PYGA Euro Steel’s Philip Buys settling for third (2:35:14).
“I’m really happy to get this result. It seems like the form is good going into the Cape Epic, so it does take some pressure off,” said 27-year-old Du Toit.
He came 13th overall alongside Julian Jessop in last year’s eight-day Epic. They were the third all-South African team to finish.
Du Toit said he was excited to test his legs “as well as have fun on some of the best trails in the country”. He was referring to The MTB Challenge route which explored the Boschendal and legendary Banhoek Conservancy trails.
Du Toit said he was actually out-ridden by Buys and Venter on the first climb, but somehow managed to get back on the downhill.
“From there we basically just rode together.
“On the last climb I was suffering quite a bit, but then somehow I saw I had a gap towards the top and just kept it smooth and safe down the last trail.”
He said initially he battled to get going, which was probably due to a “heavy training load” this past week.
“All in all the route was really cool. I really enjoy riding in this area.
“This was the last little test before Epic.”
