Husqvarna is set to give the forestry, garden and park management industry an exciting new choice in chainsaws with the release of two battery-powered options – the Husqvarna T540i XP® top-handle and Husqvarna 540i XP® rear-handle.

30 Percent increase in power

Used with the new Husqvarna BLi200X (T540i XP®) or Husqvarna BLi300 (540i XP®) batteries, the new chainsaws are a match for professional class petrol chainsaws, making them ideal for tree removals and smaller felling tasks.

With a completely redesigned and optimised system, they offer a 30 percent increase in power compared to previous Husqvarna battery chainsaws, equalling the power of 40cc petrol chainsaws but with reduced emissions and vibrations.

Specialised and all-purpose

The new top-handle T540i XP® offers superior cutting power for drop cuts of thick trunks and branches while being fast and nimble enough to take on smaller tasks. The 540i XP® rear-handle version has the same power and is a perfect all-round saw for any kind of groundwork.

Managing director of Husqvarna South Africa, Pieter Smuts, said: “We’re confident these two chainsaws will set a new standard in South Africa and give arbour professionals the experience they’ve been waiting for in battery-powered chainsaws. With more power, greater manoeuvrability, superior ergonomics and a user-friendly interface you can get more done in a day with less effort.”

Easy to handle and maneuver

Given that an arborist can work anywhere from ground level to 20 meters up and under all conditions, the saws are designed for versatility and easy handling. A newly-developed intuitive user interface allows for quick control, and balanced saw bodies provide the maneuverability needed for difficult cuts.

Battery benefits

Husqvarna’s T540i XP® and 540i XP® chainsaws start and stop at the press of a button and battery status is easily visible. A battery-powered chainsaw offers several benefits, including the absence of direct emissions, reduced noise and vibrations, reducing strain on the body. Depending on the charger, they can be recharged to 80 percent in around 30 minutes and to full power in under one hour.

To handle the rigorous demands of arborists, only premium light-weight materials and durable components were used. For example, the 540i XP features a magnesium crank case, clutch cover and bar mount as well as an aluminum front handle. Both chainsaws are weather resistant (according to IPX4 classification).

Fitted with Husqvarna SP21G X-cut chain

Both saws use Husqvarna’s new SP21G X-cut chain, a semi-chisel 0.325” mini pixel chain with a 1.1mm gauge and low kick guard. The chain has been tailored specifically for the new battery chainsaws to cut quickly, smoothly and more efficiently. The chain produces less vibrations, has low kickback and is particularly good for a fast and easy bore cut.

“We’re very excited to introduce these premium and durable battery-powered chainsaws to our market,” said Smuts.

“They’re so easy to handle, easy to start and offer superior cutting power for even the most demanding tasks. As always our countrywide network of Husqvarna dealers is on hand to provide advice, assistance and spare parts as needed.”

For more information, visit www.husqvarna.co.za

Mention the word chainsaw, and Innocent Sefolo’s heart probably beats just a smidgen faster. That’s because this particular granddad has been employed by Husqvarna in Pietermaritzburg for a mindboggling 42 years – most of which have involved working with the world-renowned brand’s chainsaws.

To say he is passionate about his job is an understatement. “I love what I do,” he says with heartfelt enthusiasm.

Sefolo said the past four decades with Husqvarna have been wonderful. Highlights, said the Imbali father-of three (and granddad of five), include a trip to Husqvarna’s global headquarters in Stockholm, and attending a conference in Munich, Germany.

“But I also love travelling up north, and seeing other parts of Africa, like Zimbabwe and Zambia, and I’ve also been to Swaziland.” More recently he was in Stellenbosch, which he also enjoyed.

Sefolo is the company’s chainsaw guru, and a whiz at training people on how to use Husqvarna’s range of super-efficient machines: think foresters (privateers as well as major forestry companies), and students (Cedara Agricultural College, Stellenbosch University wood science/forestry students), among others. He also sells equipment.

“I started my career repairing chainsaws for a Sandvik franchise, a small family-owned company in Pietermaritzburg, with just the manager, his wife and I, when I was 25. They used to import the equipment from Sweden and I learned to repair and sell the machines. Back then, in 1977, the business was run from a small 50sqm shop.”

The company was bought out by Husqvarna, and Sefolo continued with the new group, becoming more involved in the training and sales of equipment. “But the chainsaws have always been my favourites,” he confessed. He conceded, however, that the chainsaws with which he started his career are now on display in the museum at Husqvarna’s Pietermaritzburg headquarters. “They are very different from what is available today and what I train people on!”

Sefolo is particularly proud to have shown the chainsaw ropes, so to speak, to Roger Jackson, long-serving Husqvarna Business Developer: Forestry.

Said Jackson: “Back in 1980, the company I worked for bought four Husqvarna 480SE chainsaws and Innocent was sent to me to teach me how to maintain and service them. He has an amazing and humble approach in how he communicates with people, and it is impossible not to appreciate what he tries to convey.”

Sefolo’s major assets are his passion for the brand and the product, added Jackson, as well as his unassuming approach to everyone and his incredible ability to converse in several different languages.

“The people who use or maintain our products come from diverse backgrounds, and Innocent has absolutely no problem adapting to whatever situation he finds himself, and excelling.”

He said Sefolo’s loyalty to the brand and dedication to excellent customer support “have helped us retain and build our customer base throughout South Africa and, in some cases, beyond, like in Mozambique and Zimbabwe”.

Although he was due to retire this month, Sefolo is so valuable to the company that they’ve asked him to extend his services. “I’m happy to do that,” he said. “I love my job, and dealing with and meeting different people. I really enjoy the sales and the training, and if I had to retire, I think I would very quickly ‘go upstairs’,” he said with a broad grin, gesturing heavenwards.

For more information about Husqvarna, visit www.husqvarna.com.

For centuries, Husqvarna has been trusted to provide world-leading outdoor tools solutions that make a difference. The brand has a large footprint in Africa, but it’s expanding at a rapid pace, making it the ideal time to partner with a much-loved local personality that embodies the innovation and excellence for which it’s known. Husqvarna is proud to announce its first-ever African brand ambassador, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira.

Tendai isn’t just one of South Africa’s most talented rugby players; he’s also a family man who embodies the core values of the brand – commitment, teamwork, family and support. In short, he’s a natural fit. “I’m very honoured to be a part of the Husqvarna group,” says Tendai. “It’s a world-class brand, and it’s incredible to be working with such a professional team”. (A big compliment when you consider the star athlete’s other teammates.)

Products that make a difference

Welcoming Tendai into the Husqvarna family meant ensuring he’s got all the products he needs to help him take the very best care of his garden.  Just one that’s making a world of difference to the Mtawarira home is the brand’s best-selling automower®. 

“I’m often on the road or on the field so, when I was home, much of my free time was spent doing chores around the house. Now, because all the mowing is done for me, I am able to enjoy more time with my family.” The automower® is one of Husqvarna’s many battery-driven “Silent Nature™” products. As it’s powered by electricity, it doesn’t produce harmful emissions and works hard in virtual silence. As you can imagine, Tendai’s neighbours are big fans too. “No more noisy mowing on Sundays,” he laughs. In fact, he now never has to spend any of his days cutting grass. “When I spend time overseas I now don’t have to worry about coming home to an overgrown garden. These products are really making a difference!”

Another Husqvarna item making life easier for the Mtawarira’s is the brand’s high-pressure washer. It’s so much fun to use that Tendai’s kids are actually looking forward to helping their dad wash the family’s cars. “Everyone was also really excited about the generator,” says Tendai. “Now we’ll never miss another game on TV when there are power cuts!”

Eyes on the future

According to Husqvarna Africa’s regional marketing manager, Jenna Robinson, the brand is widely recognised throughout the continent. “We have a presence in 30 countries in Africa and are the leading professional brand within our market,” she says. However, the company is looking forward to emboldening its already strong position by partnering with Tendai, a personality whose appeal goes beyond borders.  As it stands, the product range for Africa includes over 280 items, and the catalogue is ever expanding as it innovates. Still, Husqvarna wants to move in a way that’s strategic as well as sustainable.

“By 2025, 60-percent of the global population will be living in cities; fewer will have gardens and shared urban green spaces will become more relevant. We need to think ahead, plan for the future and worry more about emissions - hence our extensive range of battery products and ‘silent nature’* drive,” says Robinson. “Less noise, less disruption, less harm to the environment - we believe in that, and it helps us stand out.” 

To watch the new campaign with Tendai – visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFPFCTqrs5BACrB9LmCsT4A/videos 

To learn more about the brand and find your nearest Husqvarna dealer, visit www.husqvarna.co.za

About Husqvarna

Swedish-owned Husqvarna is a world leader in outdoor power products, operating in South Africa via a specialist network of dealers. Over the past 330 years, they’ve manufactured everything from muskets to their iconic chainsaws and are now the world leader in robotic mowing.

The ever-popular Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run in KwaZulu-Natal will have a new look in 2019, including a new race venue and some revamped routes. 

This year’s event on April 28 will be based at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa which will provide an idyllic and spectator-friendly venue for supporters, while also ensuring a more relaxed setting for riders and runners after they have completed their events. 

The route for the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme event, which targets the province’s elite and experienced mountain bikers, will be similar to the 2018 event, although there are a few tweaks to update and improve the course with some extra single track. The popular 40km Safire MTB Classic will have the most changes of all the mountain bike rides with the course shortened back to 40km while extra single track has been added. The highest climb - at just under 1000m - is early on in the race at 13.5km. The return loop has a gentler gradient.  

"The trail runners will have the biggest changes with new routes starting at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge on top of the plateau before finishing at a beautiful waterfall setting in the valley, where shuttles will transport runners back to the start/finish area and prizegiving. “The event has now outgrown the Mid Illovo Club, which hosted the Husqvarna Classic for 10 years,” said race organiser Shanon MacKenzie this week.

“We made the decision to move the start and finish venue to Gwahumbe Game Lodge that lends itself to an ideal area for relaxation and chilling after the competitors have completed their runs and rides. “More people will be able to enjoy the vibe and atmosphere that will make for a wonderful family atmosphere. 

“We have also changed the routes a little. With changes over the years the 40km had become 46km and some of the return climbs were tough for the riders we were attracting, so we got rid of some of the smaller ascents on the return route and reduced the distance. We have kept most of the single track so it will certainly be a more enjoyable ride.” The trail runs will have new routes starting at Gwahumbe and dropping down into the valley which should make for some fun, fast running in spectacular scenery. “The Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run was the first ever ROAG event all those years ago. This year will be our 11th event and we have built tremendous credibility within the mountain biking community who know that we host a superb event. The routes are always well thought out and the single track is manicured, well prepared and marked,” MacKenzie added. 

Riders and runners have a choice of six events at the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run. There are two trails runs, the 16km Farmer’s Agri-Care Trail Run for the fit and experienced runners and the 8km Gwahumbe Trail Run for those who are looking for something a little less strenuous. Mountain bikers have four events ranging from the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme, which is also part of the Quattro ROAG Series for the elite riders. The 40km Safire MTB is aimed at riders looking to test themselves while the 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience is a family-orientated ride for newbies, those still getting confidence on a mountain bike or trying to get fit. The 10km Fun Ride targets the younger set and U12 riders can enter this event for free. 

There are 800 Uzwelo shopper bags and 600 Quick Dry, Microfibre towels for the first entrants.  Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, as proceeds from the event go towards community upliftment.   

Every entrant also has the opportunity to give back and help a child in this Midlands community by purchasing an Uzwelo School Bag, with a built-in raincoat poncho, for R150. 

Enter online at www.roag.co.za or contact ROAG on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 086 100 ROAG/7624.  

Entry Fees (early entry prices – entries close 24 April)

For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za

Calling all mountain bikers and trail runners – entries are now open for the 2019 Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, with race options to suit the whole family.

This popular event has limited entries so don’t delay in entering.  The race starts on Sunday 28 April at Gwahumbe Game & Spa in Mid-Illovo in KZN.

The serious mountain bikers can choose either the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme or the 40km Safire Classic route, while fun riders have the choice of an 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience or the 10km route, which is free entry for the under 12s.

For trail runners, the Farmers Agri-Care 16km or the 9km Gwahumbe trail routes offer spectacular trails through indigenous KZN bushlands and grasslands. Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, as proceeds from the event go towards community upliftment. Every entrant also has the opportunity to give back and help a child in this Midlands community by purchasing an Uzwelo School Bag, with a built-in raincoat poncho, for R150. Enter online at www.roag.co.za or contact ROAG on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 086 100 ROAG/7624.

Entry Fees

For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za

SOUTH Africa U23 champion Julian Jessop continued his dream month when he beat off the challenge of Tyronne White in a dash for the line at the 60km mountain bike race at the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run on Sunday.

The 20-year-old Jessop - who is coming off a dream 12th position finish at the recent Absa Cape Epic and so claimed the prestigious African Jersey title with Matthys Beukes - and White approached the finish together. However the young PYGA Eurosteel rider had too much firepower for his more experienced challenger and powered across to line to win in a time of 2:32:08, two seconds ahead of White.

Quattro ROAG Series leader Andrew Johnson claimed third position just 29-seconds further back and his third position in Sunday's second leg of the series, combined with his win in the opening leg at Wartburg in February, ensures the Ballito resident holds top spot in the race for South Africa's richest prize for a mountain bike series.David Low and Brennan Anderson rounded out the top five.

In the women's 60km race, Christie Leigh Hearder made her first appearance at a Quattro ROAG Series event of the year and notched up a convincing five-minute win to put the pressure on series leader Andrea de Boer. De Boer was second and keeps a firm grasp on the series lead going into the third leg at Karkloof in May, but will be aware that Hearder is lurking.

One of the most intriguing dices of the day was the women's 40km Safire MTB that saw matric pupil Tiffany Keep edge out Frances Janse van Rensburg by two minutes, while schoolboy Travis Stedman was clear winner in the men's 40km race.In the trail runs, Derek Wasserfall cruised to victory with Thierry Pletinckx just over two minutes off the pace in the 16km Farmers Agri-Care race while Mark Mackenzie was third. Mackenzie's third, when combined with his third position in the opening leg, is enough to move him to the top of the standings in the Quattro ROAG Series.

Sarah Gray enjoyed a two-minute win in the women's 16km trail run with Megan Wassung recording her second runner-up spot in two races after she was edged out by Wendy Mills at Wartburg. The two runner-up finishes are just enough to edge her to the top of the Quattro ROAG Series leaderboard, but Mills, who was fourth on Sunday, is now just eight points behind on the log.

Jacqui Cochran, the marketing manager from Husqvarna, was full of praise for the Mid Illovo event which she has seen grow substantially in the time her company has been involved with the popular race."Husqvarna is proud and delighted to partner with the Mid Illovo community for the past eight years. It has been a joy and delight to watch the race grow, but still retain its community following and hands-on approach by the local residents of the farming community."This event is not just a commercial success, but has managed to keep its personality that it always has had."

Riders and runners at the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run on Sunday are in for some exciting new track with some completely revamped routes – and according to one of the province’s top riders the MTB changes are simply “awesome”.

Part of the ROAG Quattro Series, the Husqvarna Classic has always been one of the most popular mountain bike events on the calendar, partly because riders, and more recently runners, have a wide choice of distances and partly because the organisers are constantly striving to improve the overall experience for riders and runners.The mountain bikers have a wide choice of routes ranging from the 60km Husqvarna X-treme Classic (which was introduced in 2016), the always popular 40km Safire MTB, the family-orientated 18km Gwahumbe Experience and the 10km Fun Ride, while runners can select from the 16km Farmers Agri-Care or the 9km Gwahumbe trail runs.

MTB Course designer Bruce Smith, a farmer in the Mid-Illovo area, oversees the creation of new track and for the 2018 race he has had to work extra hard after he was unable to use some sections of the 2017 course.But the extra effort looks to have been worthwhile as the changes have already received a stamp of approval from one of the province’s top riders. Leeroy Emslie was given permission to ride the route as an unofficial test at the weekend and his message back to Smith was a simple: “Awesome route”.“We have added new trails to the 60km, and the 40km is completely revamped,” said Smith after more work fine tuning the trails at the weekend.

“There will be a bit more climbing in the 60km this year, but it will not be too much … about 1 200m of vertical ascent which will make this event an ideal preparation race for those riders intending to take part in the sani2c.

“The route is not overly technical but it has some nice sections of single track and I think the riders will enjoy the whole experience.

“The first 18km of the 40km is different to last year and there are now some nice sections of completely custom-built track which will be ridden for the first time this year.”According to Smith, the 16km and 9km trails runs are both also very different to 2017 and will offer some new challenges for the runners.

The 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run and the 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run start the action at 6.30am on Sunday, while the mountain bike events get underway at 8am with the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-Treme, followed by the 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience at 8:40am and then the 40km Safire at 9:10am and the 10km Fun Ride at 9:30am.

All pre-entries are via www.roag.co.za, with entries closing at midnight on Wednesday.

The events form the second leg of the Roag Quattro Series and late entries will be taken on the day.

The successful staging of the second Mdumbi Green Fair Music Festival at Mdumbi Point on the Wild Coast was held in May. 

A popular and unique fundraiser for TransCape NPO, which is deeply involved in development work in the area, and with the surrounding Xhosa communities, the festival not only draws much needed tourists to the region and thus provides income opportunities for the local population, but it is also used as an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of reforesting the area. 

With that in mind, Husqvarna, a world leader in outdoor power products, along with its local dealer, Outdoor Machine Shop, sponsored 150 indigenous trees to the event that were planted over the weekend. Not only that, this sponsorship also helped pay to fence off the newly planted area and for the employment of community members to dig the holes and help with the planting. 

Co-organiser and one of the sponsors, Wayne Barton of Tata Waste, said: “Mdumbi was nominated by Getaway magazine as the most beautiful beach in our country, but the vegetation around it has been eroded over the years. With people constantly having to source firewood for cooking, along with goats, sheep and cattle eating new seedling trees, there has been little hope for a sustainable forest eco-system. Today there are very few trees left for tourists to sit under in the hot summer months. We need to re-establish the forest, and thanks to Husqvarna’s valuable donation, we can dramatically enhance the area as a tourist attraction.” 

He added that other factors endangering the coastal forests were the intruder plants inkberry and lantana. “To plant the 150 trees we cleared these plants from the allocated piece of land by derooting them. That was a huge job and took us, plus four community employees, five long days. This was all made possible through Husqvarna’s contribution.” He thanked Husqvarna for its willingness to sponsor and be involved in the event. “The area has no industry and is reliant on tourism for employment, so this ‘greening’ is critical. We are hugely grateful to Husqvarna.” 

Jacqui Cochran, marketing manager for Husqvarna South Africa, said: “This fits in with our global sustainability drive and our local ‘Husqvarna Loves Trees’ initiatives. The Mdumbi Green Fair Festival is a wonderful concept. TransCape NPO, Mdumbi Backpackers and the Mankosi community arrange this event annually to raise funds for the NPO, which not only tackles developmental challenges by the communities in the area but also provides a great opportunity to reforest the area through festival goers and the community planting indigenous trees. Not only did Husqvarna’s donation help create awareness of the important role forests play in our planet’s ecology, but it also allowed at least half of the 500 or so festival-goers to offset the carbon footprint of their travels to the event!” 

For more information, visit www.husqvarna.co.za or http://mdumbigreenfair.weebly.com/

Mid-Illovo – Stuart Marais is making a habit of winning mountain bike races this year with the latest victory coming in the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run on Sunday.

In the main 60km race, the Howick mechanical engineer overcame a fall which could have proved costly, but he picked himself up and rode on to a solid three-minute win over defending champion, Mid-Illovo local Derrin Smith, who in turn was two minutes ahead of the in-form David Low.

In the women’s race, young 16-year-old Tiffany Keep once again showed she is a massive talent by winning her first attempt at the longer 60km event. The Thomas More College schoolgirl beat off the challenge of Christie-Leigh Hearder with veteran Natalie Bergstrom claiming third.Both Marais and Keep were full of praise for the route which has been designed and created by local farmer Bruce Smith with the help of other local farmers in the area.

“The trails were phenomenal,” said Marais. “They have obviously put in so much work on the course and they have made then absolutely stunning. Everyone said I’d enjoy the race – and I did!“I had a bit of a mishap on one of the bridges. My front wheel slipped out and I fell off as I was crossing it. Apart from that that I had a good ride and I felt really good.“This season I would like to try and make a bit of a habit of this winning,” he said with a laugh.

Keep said she also “really enjoyed the single track” and it showed as she kept her older and more experienced rivals at bay on the fun-filled, but tough and testing course.“I’ve participated in the race before but on the shorter distances – today was the first time I’ve done the 60km,” said the South African junior road team member.

In the 18km iNsingizi Trail Run Derek Wasserfall was dominant, outpacing Mark Mackenzie and Rhain Hoskins by almost three minutes despite a silly mistake which could have proved costly.Wasserfall, who also won the Husqvarna Mid-Illovo Trail Run in 2012, said he was impressed by the course, but also had to overcome some issues before claiming the win.“It was a very nice route – very fast which, as a road runner, is what I like,” said Wasserfall.

“Mark Mackenzie who finished second and I ran together for the first part and then I got away on one of the hills. But then I went off the route and had to get back which meant I was about seventh. They told us which markers to follow and then I went and followed some of the mountain bike markers – it was completely my fault.”

In the women’s trail run, Xoli Madida finished up just over two minutes ahead of Robyn Greyling and Wendy Mills.Jacqui Cochran, the marketing manager from Husqvarna, was delighted with the event:“It is obvious from the riders and runners reactions that this race just continues to improve every year. It is fantastic to be involved in an event that is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and still continues to get better and better each year, while at the same time somehow manages to puts so much back into the community in the Mid-Illovo area.“I think having the race here is such a win-win scenario: The riders and runners get to enjoy a fantastic event; we are able to reward a community that is a big supporter of Husqvarna; and with the help of entrants and other corporates we can contribute to uplifting schools and the community – like with 240 Uzwelo school bags which are pledged to children in the area by race goers and corporates such as Illovo.”

For the less serious riders and runners there was also the 45km Safire MTB race and a relatively gentle 18km Gwahumbe Family Ride as well as the 9km iNsingizi Trail Run.

RESULTS:

60km MTB  Men 

1 Stuart Marais 2:30:41

2 Derrin Smith 2:33:56

3 David Low 2:35:56

4 Brennan Anderson 2:36:21

5 Komborero Bere 2:38:12

Women 

1 Tiffany Keep 2:56:04

2 Christie-Leigh Hearder 2:57:50

3 Natalie Bergstrom 3:01:15 

18km Trail Run 

Men

1 Derek Wasserfall 1:24:33

2 Mark Mackenzie 1:27:12

3 Rhain Hoskins 1:27:22

Women

1 Xoli Madida 1:36:47

2 Robyn Greyling 1:39:06

3 Wendy Mills 1:42:16 

THIS weekend sees the fourth leg of the Quattro ROAG Series for mountain bikers and trail runners, and it represents a watershed for the popular KZN-based series which offers the biggest prizemoney of any mountain biking series in the country.

With competitors needing to compete in six of the nine events to qualify as a series finisher, any rider who has not already taken part in one of the first three events needs to compete in the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run on Sunday to have any chance of qualifying for the R25 000 first prize.

The Compendium Hill 2 Hill which took place over Easter saw two new leaders emerge in the mountain biking series. Leeroy Emslie’s fourth place in the tough 100km marathon from Pietermaritzburg to Shongweni allowed him to take over the series lead in the men’s category.His 202 point from three events put him a meagre 22 points ahead of Stuart Marais, who missed the Hill 2 Hill due to other racing commitments in Gauteng.

In the women’s division, young Christie-Leigh Hearder’s consistent finishes has allowed her to open up a sizable gap in the standings. Her 246 points are a 60 points more than second-placed veteran Natalie Bergstrom.

In the trail running log, Mark Mackenzie grew his lead and goes into the fourth event with a 57-point gap over David Mercer, despite finding the pace tough at the Hill 2 Hill trail run where he finished 12th.

In the women’s trail running, Wendy Mills and Alison Wasserfall have opened up a huge lead over the chasing bunch with Mills in pole position on 260-points with Wasserfall 44 points back.

The 60km Husqvarna Classic is one of the most popular one day mountain bike events and the race organiser’s emphasis on superb trails means it is rare for a rider to not drive back from the event with a smile on his or her face.

The event was also one of the first mountain bike races in the province to realise that a trail running event was a good addition to the day’s outdoor offerings. This has meant the Mid Illovo Classic is the oldest trail run event to be included in the new Quattro ROAG Trail Running Series which this year takes place in conjunction with the mountain biking series.

After the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run this weekend, riders and runners have a month to recover until the Sappi Karkloof Classic in on May 27-28.

Entries for the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge and Trail Run close at midnight on Thursday 27 April.  Enter on www.roag.co.za. Late entries on the day will be accepted. 

Latest Quattro ROAG Series Standings 

MTB Men:

1. Leeroy Emslie 202

2. Stuart Marais 186

3. Jedson Tooms 151

4. David Low 142

5. Brennan Anderson 131

6. Andrew Johnson 130

=6. Hendrik Bester 130

8. Matthew Wilkinson 110

9. Carl Calverley 102

10. Brendon Davids 100

=10. Julian Jessop 100 

MTB Women:

1. Christie-Leigh Hearder 246

2. Natalie Bergstrom 186

3. Belinda Mason 149

4. Tarryn Morgan 139

5. Jeannie Bomford 100

=5. Cherie Redecker 100

7. Frances Marsburg 88

8. Bronwyn Evans 78

=8. Erika Velissariou 78

=8. Linda Erskine 78 

Trail running Men:

1. Mark Mackenzie 216

2. David Mercer 159

3. Haydn Bam 115

4. Mthobisi Mzolo 100

=4. Mthokozisi Chamane 100 

Trail running Women

1. Wendy Mills 260

2. Alison Wasserfall 216

3. Erin Bargate 100

=3. Amy Burger 100

5. Patricia Dammann 86 

Writer:  Tim Whitfield
Image:  Supplied