The Gauteng XCO Cup at XCOSA Bike Park near the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria produced a familiar winner in the women’s elite race. Photo: Instagram
The Gauteng XCO Cup at XCOSA Bike Park near the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria produced a familiar winner in the women’s elite race on Saturday.
The first Gauteng XCO Cup stop on the 2021 calendar attracted a number of top riders from the province as well as surrounding areas all seeking competitive action in a season that’s been hard-hit by Covid-19 disruptions.
The elite women’s race over five laps was won by Kim le Court who finished in a time of 1:19:15 which was a shade over 30 minutes faster than runner-up Engela Conradie.
Mauritius-born Le Court continued her impressive start to the year having taken the title at the third leg of the Pursuit Challenge at Buffelsdrift Trail Park, Pretoria, in late January.
“Happy to take the win at my first XCO race since 2013,” Le Court said post-race.
“I went out there today to enjoy myself and try stay on my bike which in the end worked out pretty well.
“I forgot how tough this XCO thing is. Very happy to get the team our second win for 2021! Two out of two. It’s good to be back.
“Thank you to the organisers for putting up this event. So blessed to be able to race again,” a grateful Le Court added.
The women’s U23 race provided closer action with Danielle Strydom (1:22:48) beating Rimari Sutton by just under two minutes. Monique du Toit finished in third place.
Meanwhile, the men’s elite category which took place over six laps, was won by Philip Buys (1:18:44) with Jan Withaar (1:19:19) in second place. Jacques Janse van Rensburg (1:20:41) took the final podium spot ahead of Shaun-Nick Bester (1:21:19).
Pieter du Toit – who had the third-fastest time of the day (1:19:41) – won the men’s U23 category ahead of Matteo Damilano and Frederick Smit.
The second leg of the Gauteng XCO Cup will take place on March 20 at Grootfontein Bike Park.
