KIA MTB series rounds up

Team Kia Elite rider Michael Pretorius put up a strong performance to clinch the first place in the open men’s category at the Daan Viljoen MTB Challenge which took place at the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve outside the capital last weekend.
The event also marked the end of this year’s KIA MTB series. The overall ranking will be updated in due course before the winners will be announced. Pretorius finished the 40 kilometre long and gruelling track in a time of 1:57:32, more than 20 minutes ahead of second-placed and open category rider Andre Vermeulen (2:19:10). He was, however, fortunate to walk away with the win as Charl Fouche and Wim Steenkamp were approximately 2 minutes in front of Pretorius for much of the race, but, due to confusion at the last turn off, about 3km from the finish line, Fouche and Steenkamp took the wrong turn off. Pretorius capitalized on the mistake to be crowned the champion. The third place in the open category went to Johannes Shikwena.
The fastest time of the women’ open category came from Cene van der Merwe who crossed the finish line after 3:36:18 hours. She was the only rider in this category to finish the race.

Meanwhile Philip Steyn (1:57:34) emerged victories in the Master Men division. He was followed by Abrie Swanepoel (2:05:44) and Fredrick van Greunen (2:06:20). Wanda Tattersdal celebrated the first place in the Master Women category, clocking in at 2:26:48. Commonwealth athlete Irene Steyn had to settle for second (2:28:03) while the third place went to Johanita de Waal (2:28:49).
Open Men (40km) was as follows :1. Michael Pretorius 1:57:32 2. Andre Vermeulen 2:19:10 3. Johannes Shikwena 2:24:46
Master Men (40km): 1. Philip Steyn 1:57:34; 2. Abrie Swanepoel 2:05:44; 3. Frederick van Greunen 2:06:20 Grandmaster Men (40km): 1.Christo le Roux 2:37:25; 2. Johan Janeke 2:56:34; 3. Tony Bassingthwaighte 3:00:42.
Open women (40km): 1. Cene van der Merwe 3:36:18; 2. Wanette Hanekom DNF; 3. Hester Prins DNF
Master women (40km): 1.Wanda Tattersdal 2:26:48; 2. Irene Steyn 2:28:03; 3. Johanita de Waal 2:28:49
Grandmaster women (40km): 1. Carolin Janik 2:49:42; 2. Karin Brockmann 3:06:23; 3. Berrit Graf.