In recent years the Stanford region has gone from a gravel grinder’s delight to a mountain biker’s playground thanks to the plethora of single tracks being built by the local landowners.
The 2022 Stanford MTB Classic, which took place on Saturday 26 February, used those trails to stage a challenging 85 km race. Additionally, it hosted more family-friendly 60 and 25 kilometre distances.
Event director Anneke Jacobs says although the climbs may not be massive in the Akkedisberg Mountains, the nature of the terrain leads to technical and challenging riding.
“Our idea when creating the 85 km marathon race was to present a challenging one-day race that would provide perfect training for the Absa Cape Epic. Given the rider feedback after the inaugural event I think we achieved exactly that, and we’re excited to grow the Stanford MTB Classic back into a two-day stage race next year.”
The 85 km race boasted prize money, thanks to the support of Insect Science. With his sponsors backing the event CP van Wyk of Insect Science Pro was the rider to beat on the start line. Sadly, for the man from Levubu in Limpopo, a mechanical problem forced him out of contention after 31 km of racing. This allowed David George to solo through the remaining 54 km and claim the race victory.
In the women’s race Mari Rabie rode to a commanding victory. In the shorter distances, which also featured e-Bike categories, Ignatius du Preez and Michelle George won the 60 km race.
Matthew Venn and Jana Terblanche were the first riders across the line in the 25 km fun ride.
“I’d like to reiterate my gratitude to Coia de Villiers, Kevin and Nathalie Husk, Lochner and Ida Bester, and Elsabe de Villiers for their fantastic water points. And to Stanford Valley Guest Farm for hosting the start/finish of the Stanford MTB Classic once again,” Jacobs said. “Insect Science, supporting the event with prize money, along with Squirt Cycling Products, Enduren Nutrition and Fair Cape Diaries, also played a massive role in the success of the event. Next up on the Overberg MTB Events’ calendar is the first edition of the Sky Villa Trans Plett, which takes place on 12 and 13 March, followed by the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience from 20-22 May.”
Visit www.overbergmtbevents.co.za for more information on the Stanford MTB Classic, as well as Overberg MTB Events’ other races, including the Sky Villa Trans Plett and the De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience.
2022 Stanford MTB Classic Results:
85km | Men:
1. David George (4:23:15)
2. Cobus Swanepoel (4:34:49)
3. Morne van Greunen (4:36:00)
85km | Women:
1. Mari Rabie (4:48:03)
2. Leone Verster (5:25:55)
3. Sarita Louw (5:32:48)
60km | Men:
1. Ignatius du Preez (3:07:52)
2. Luke Phillips (3:25:26)
3. Daniel Steenkamp (3:31:54)
60km | Women:
1. Michelle George (3:45:52)
2. Dawn Herbert (4:00:35)
3. Bianca Martinaglia (4:03:10).
