Men’s top three riders all finish within one second at West Coast MTB Challenge
In a neck on neck finish, the three leading men’s riders in the West Coast MTB Challenge, crossed the finishing line, all within one second.
In the 75km Elite Men category, Xavier Papo crossed the line in first place with a time of 2:44:01:67 with Brandon Plaatjies in second with 2:44:01:86 and in third place Danzel de Koe in 2:44:01:95.
The end for the ladies was not nearly as dramatic, still the three top riders posted excellent times. In the 75km Elite Woman’s category, Michelle Vorster came in first with a time of 2:50:03:03, a full 15 minutes ahead of Irene Steyn with a time of 3:05:21:42 and Michelle Doman in third with a time of 3:20:08:09.
The second Gravel & Dirt mountainbike competition sponsored by Hollard, was held on Saturday, 15 April in the rocky outcrops bordering the Swakop River near Swakopmund. Around 300 athletes competed in the coastal event which has grown significantly in popularity.
Due to the extreme terrain ranging from deep sand to rocky climbs, this was by no means a casual ride in the proverbial park. Many riders fell victim to the perilous conditions throughout the race, but many more pushed through and persevered.
The third event in the series, the Otjiwa Eagle Ride, is scheduled for 13 May 2107 at Otjiwa Game Ranch, some 30 km south of Otjiwarongo.This race offers a 80km MTB course and now for the first time, also two trail runs 10.5 km and 21 km respectively. Last year this race proved to be the biggest MTB race with a turnout of almost 300 riders.
The West Coast MTB Challenge was organised by Silvio Suardi and sponsored by Hollard, Namibia Breweries, Mannie’s Bike Mecca, West Coast FM, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Spur Swakopmund, Whasp Sports Nutrition, Cycles4U, Zinmag Sport, Food Lovers Market, Squirt, Herco Marketing, E- Med Rescue and the Swakopmund Plaza Hotel.
In the picture are, from the left, Danzel Dekoe, Xavier Papo, Brandon Plaatjies Michelle Vorster, Irene Steyn, Michelle Doman and Henriette Crouse of Hollard.
