The Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run on Sunday (28 April) will have a new look and a new winner in both the men's and women's MTB races.

With both last year's champions, Julian Jessop and Christie-Leigh Hearder, committed to other events, there are sure to be two new winners with last year's runner-up, Tyronne White, looking like the early favourite to keep his unbeaten run going for 2019 in the men's race.

The Ballito-based coach, who will be taking part in the 60km Husqvarna Classic wearing the colours of his new DriveTrain Academy team for the first time, has become the rider to beat in KwaZulu-Natal this year. White has picked up wins at the Kamberg Classic, Berg 100 and Wartburg and the Drakensberg Descent team event with Andrew Johnson – who joins him in the new team.

"The Husqvarna Classic has always been a tough event, but I have always enjoyed it," said White. "Julian (Jessop) and I had a good dice last year and he beat me in the final sprint, so hopefully I can go one better and pick up the win on Sunday.

"I believe the course has changed a bit, although from what I have heard and read the 60km is not too different. I believe by moving the new start venue to Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa, one of the early climbs has been changed, which is probably going to mean a bigger front group for the first part of the race, which will make things interesting.

"The Husqvarna Classic has always been a brilliant event that I have always tried to do if possible. I missed it a few times because it clashed with the joBerg2c but I was not going to miss it this year.

"The route is always good with some really nice single track and some proper climbs, so the better mountain bikers do well. The organisers have always been very good at talking to the riders and listening to what they have to say, and then making changes that make the race better."

White's biggest challenge is probably going to come from Stuart Marais who has been concentrating on preparing for the Olympic-style cross-country racing as he aims for selection to the team to go to Tokyo in 2020.

With White concentrating on marathon-style events, the two have not raced head-to-head this year which adds another level of intrigue to what should be a tight fight for the win.

Another rider who could challenge is Andrew Johnson, White's teammate in the new team. The Ballito training partners have both moved to the new team which is sponsored by White's new training academy.

This year's Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run on April 28 will be based at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa which will provide a spectator-friendly venue for supporters and a relaxed setting for riders and runners to recover after their events.

There are various options for riders and trail runners with the blue riband event the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme which is aimed at the province's experienced mountain bikers. The popular 40km Safire MTB Classic has a few changes to the route which has made the course easier as well as shorter than last year.

The 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience and 10km Fun Ride target the younger riders and those who are not confident enough to tackle a full 40km classic.

The trail runners will now start at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge on top of the plateau and finish at a beautiful waterfall in the valley. This makes for predominantly downhill routes for both the 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run and the 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run. Shuttles will transport runners back up the hill to the start area for prize giving.

"We are so excited to be hosting the 11th Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run at the new venues," said race organiser Shanon MacKenzie this week. "We have already had such good feedback on the new routes from riders as well as runners and only positive comments from athletes who have tested the new routes.

"I am convinced we made the correct decision to move the start / finish venue and am excited to see how much people enjoy the new setting."

One of the riders who was part of the pre-ride on the 40km route, Andrew McKinnon, was full of praise for the route, saying there was 700m of climbing which is about average for a 40km classic but the course had "awesome trails with well-manicured single track with some beautiful berms."

His 12-year-old daughter, Jodi, who also rode the 40km route, was impressed by the "flowy single track" and said she did not find the route hard at all.

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 and Trail Run with proceeds from the event going 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 close April 24)

DIST EVENT PRICE

• 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme R220
• 40km Safire MTB Classic R190
• 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience R160
• 10km Fun Ride R80 (free for under 12s)
• 16km Farmers Agri-Care Trail Run R140
• 9km Gwahumbe Trail Run R100

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

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 Hollard Jozi Urban Mountain Bike Adventure, taking place at Marks Park on the 28th May 2017, is NOT your average mountain bike race. Naturally this means it comes some not so average prize categories! Here’s a breakdown of the prizes up for grabs in 2017. 

You don’t need to be a racing snake to ride the Hollard JUMA, but if the thought of carbon frames and podium finishes excites you, there is over R80 000 up for grabs in the race categories. For the 54km, prizes for Juniors up to Grand Masters, with a trophy and prizes for the Top Ten. For the 22km the there’s R6000 in total waiting for the top three.  For those in it, just for cleats and giggles, why not enter one of the following fun categories.  

For those who love riding with your saddle down low, the 54km BMX category for you! First BMX rider home on the 54km will shred their way to R3 000. If  you like big bikes (and you cannot lie…) we have R2000 to give away to the winner of the Fatboy / Girl bike category. And for those lean, mean single speed machines… the Single Speed category, where the winners can ride away with up to R2000 in prize money. 

Making it a family affair? Make some pocket money by entering the Parent & Child category, a total of R3000 to give to the winners of the 55km and up to R5000 for the 22km winners. 

Fancy yourself a bit of a Spielberg when it comes to single track? Why not enter the Best Rider video category; we have a whopping R5 000 up for grabs for both the 22 KM and 54 KM Best Rider Videos. Requirements: 3 – 4 minutes long. Must include music that best fits the Hollard JUMA and the sponsor’s logos.  For the corporates, it’s time to settle that office beef and do some good while you’re at it. The winners of the Fastest Corporate Team for both the 22km and 54km will receive R5 000, a trophy plus R5 000 to the charity of your choice!  

The Hollard JUMA is not your average mountain bike race and we want to see some out of the ordinary outfits. Winners of the Best Dressed Team, for the 22km and 54km, will sashay away with up to R3 000.  

And finally… first prize as always, whether you win or lose, just experiencing the Hollard JUMA on the 28th May 2017. Entries are open! Entry fees are R399 (ex VAT) for the 54km and R299 (ex VAT) for the 22km. Don’t miss your chance to experience a whole new kind of MTB race. Enter now at www.juma.co.za. 

Mud Buster powered by Kärcher South Africa will be cleaning your assets on the 28th May for FREE at the #HollardJUMA. Not only that, we are aiming to break the World Record for most bikes washed at one event! So book your spot online today http://bit.ly/2pFGI4E and take a clean bike home! #FearNoMud.

The Hollard Jozi Urban MTB Adventure and Hollard Jozi Urban Run Adventure are brought to by Hollard and BAM Specialist Events in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Follow all the latest news and announcements via social media by following us on www.facebook.com/urbanmtb or on Twitter @JUMAMTB

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

The winner of the women’s race at the 2016 Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge, Jeannie Dreyer, said after the event that she “did not think much more can be done to improve the route.” 

She was wrong.  

The race organisers have managed to tweak and develop the course for the showcase 60km race this year and have made it even better than last year according to course designer Bruce Smith. 

The 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-Treme on April 30 will attract the cream of KZN mountain biking and by all accounts the riders in the area are in for a treat with Smith saying the race has to “keep upgrading and changing the trails to remain competitive.”  

Smith, the father of last year’s race winner Derrin Smith, is a farmer in the Mid Illovo area and leads the team of local farmers who design and build the 60km course. He said they have introduced more free-flowing single track which is not as technical as in 2016. “The route for the first 30km is similar to last year with lots of single track going through iNsingizi game farm. These are technical but worth it. “After 30km last year the race went on a lot of dirt road,” added Smith.

“As we’re getting more competitive as a race we want to keep the riders coming back so we’ve got to keep upgrading and changing the trails, so we’ve introduced more free-flowing single track in this section. “The final 12km remains very similar to last year, except we have cut out some of the climbs which proved a bit tough for a lot of riders last year.” 

But the day is not just about the racing snakes who are looking to test their legs over 60km of challenging mountain biking.

This is the 10th anniversary Husqvarna Classic and over the past decade the race has developed into one of the must-do events on the calendar because it offers something for everybody. 

For those mountain bikers who feel 60km is too much of a challenge, there is a standard 45km Safire MTB race and a relatively gentle 18km Gwahumbe Family Ride. And the younger set are also catered for with two 10km fun rides, one for the over 12s and one for the under 12s. 

The Husqvarna Classic was also one of the early movers when it came to incorporating trail runs into the day’s activities and they have reaped the rewards with relatively big fields for their 18km and 9km iNsingizi Trail Runs. 

The Husqvarna Classic is the fourth leg of the prestigious nine-race Quattro ROAG Series which brings riders together for a Grand Prix-type series of events. Riders win points for each event depending on their finishing position at each race. Stuart Marais is currently leading the men’s MTB ROAG Series tables and is expected to line up and add to his points tally at this popular weekend race. 

For the first time this year the trail runs will be incorporated into a ROAG Trail Running Series as well. But perhaps the last word should belong to Dreyer, who has raced and won events all over the world. “Being able to do some game spotting while riding is a real treat,” she said after enjoying her ride to victory in 2016.

“The variety of tracks and scenery within the race keeps it interesting and exciting to ride.  “It is most definitely one of the most exciting races in KZN,” – and it now got even better for the 2017 riders. 

Entries are open via www.roag.co.za for all events and will close on April 26 at midnight, but late entries will be accepted on the day. 

Do your bit! Give an Uzwelo school bag to an underprivileged Mid-Illovo child, when you add a R130 donation to your entry.  Registration begins at 05.30 on the day, with the first MTB race (60km) starting at 07h30. 

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

60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme - R190

45km Safire MTB Classic - R160

18km Gwahumbe MTB Family Experience - R140

10km Fun Ride - R70 (free for under 12s)

8km iNsingizi Trail Run - R115

9km iNsingizi Trail Run - R85 

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

Get into gear for one of the best-loved (and well-organised) races on the mountain biking and trail running calendar. The 2017 Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run is happening just less than two weeks before the gruelling Sani2C, making it a non-negotiable for those who are following a ruthless training schedule.  

“The best single track of any single day event” – that is how some riders have described this MTB route.  If that is not enough, the scenery is magnificent.  

Part of the ROAG series, there are various races, each of which run the gauntlet from relatively simple to strenuous.  

If a game viewing ride is on your sporting bucket list, don’t miss the 40km Safire MTB Classic that traverses two picturesque Game Reserves, Gwahumbe Game & Spa and iNsingizi.   

For serious riders, the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme will test your resolve, but there are options for the whole family, including the 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience and the 10km Fun Ride.

It’s a great way to get the kids interested in sports and spending more time outdoors and as each of the tracks has different scenery, you could aim to do a different race every year.      

The 18km and the 9km iNsingizi trail runs cover rugged terrain through the game reserve.    

The trail run events will start early – at 6.30am – so that competitors have an opportunity to do a Biathlon by competing in both the run / walk and mountain bike races.   

Do your bit! Give an Uzwelo school bag to an underprivileged Mid-Illovo child, when you add a R130 donation to your entry.  

The first 800 entries will receive an Uzwelo goodie bag. Entries close on 26 April 2017 at midnight, but late entries will be accepted on the day.

Registration begins at 05.30 on the day, with the first MTB race (60km) starting at 07h30.  

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

• 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme - R190
• 40km Safire MTB Classic - R160
• 18km Gwahumbe MTB Family Experience - R140
• 10km Fun Ride - R70 (free for under 12s)
• 18km iNsingizi Trail Run - R115
• 9km iNsingizi Trail Run - R85  

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

KWAZULU-NATAL, 26 JULY 2016 - The weekend saw Jeep Team Multisport athletes, Michael Lord, winning gold in the Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge in Boschendal, and Mikaela Jonsson (19) winning her first Olympic Distance Triathlon at the Tinman Tri-series in Durban. On Saturday, 23 July 2016, Michael Lord competed in the Standard Bank Duo Challenge – the Duo Challenge Long, which consisted of a 25 km MTB and a 10 km trail run. During the bike leg, he had a quick start and managed to break away from the rest of the field with fellow competitor, Andrew Houston. Completing the bike leg together, Lord was then able to put some distance between him and Houston during the run, finishing in a winning time of 02h04m26s.

Says Lord of his weekend win: “The two of us rode the whole of the bike course together. I have never ridden Boschendal before. There are some absolutely stunning trails and awesome little nooks and areas on route. At one stage we were riding just below the cliff faces with huge views of the whole of the Franschoek Valley. I definitely want to ride here again. We finished the bike together and then I managed to get away on the run. Super fun race, thanks Andrew.” The TinMan Tri-series took place in Durban at the Suncoast Sundeck on Sunday, 24 July.

The TinMan Triathlon is a fast-paced, action-packed Triathlon and Running event. From the 4 different races offered, junior triathlon superstar, Mikaela Jonsson, competed in the tough, highly contested Ultra Tri Challenge - the Olympic Distance Triathlon - a 1km swim, a 30km cycle and a 10km run. Despite only being back in training for 3 weeks, Jonsson’s performance was impressive in all 3 stages, coming out of the water in a close 3^rd in 13m27s, she gave it everything in the cycle leg, finishing in a close 2^nd in 59m21s, and again ran hard to finish 2^nd in 43m46s, winning in an overall time of 01h58m34, ahead of 2^nd placed Teneal Featherby in 01h58s42, and 3^rd placed Hayley Mee in 02h02m14.

Jonnson won women overall and her age category, but interestingly, as in all triathlons, the transition time taken between legs can mean the difference between winning and losing, as in this race. Jonnson’s race-time against Featherby was slower overall by 8 seconds, but 1m03s faster than Featherby in transition time.

Says Jonsson of her experience: “I'm so happy to have taken the win overall in my first-ever Olympic Distance Tri at the Tinman Triathlon in Durban. I had such a fantastic race. Thanks to some incredibly strong ladies for pushing me all the way, especially on the bike course. Finally feeling like myself again, after only being back at training for 3 weeks after battling with illness for over a month, and my first swim race after doing shoulder rehab for more than 2 months. I'm so grateful to everyone who has helped me with such patience and wisdom over the last few months. Onwards and upwards.”

RESULTS

Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge

Men

1. Michael Lord (Jeep Team) 02:04:26
2. Andrew Houston 02:05:48
3. Dylan Janos 02:09:37

Women

1. Carla Beyers 02:36:46
2. Esther Lategan 02:45:00
3. Hanlie Booyens 02:48:06

Tinman Tri-series

Women

1. Mikaela Jonsson (Jeep Team) 01:58:34
2. Teneal Featherby 01:58:42
3. Hayley Mee 02:02:14

Men

1. Rudolf Naude 01:38:14
2. Gareth Marquiss 01:38:52
3. Brad Venter 01:39:32

Other Jeep Team results MTB
The Ashburton Investments’ National MTB Series consists of seven events spanning across six provinces. The fifth in the series was hosted at Holla Trails, Collisheen on 23 July. Jeep Team’s Thinus Redelinghuys took part in the 102km Ultra Marathon Event achieving a Top 20 position overall, coming in 19^th place, in a time of 04h10m24s. Most of the country’s top mountain bikers completed this event, which ultimately saw Max Knox (3h45), Gert Heyns (3h46), Nico Bell (3h46) take the podium respectively.

Editor’s Notes Standard Bank Duo and Trail Challenge photo of Michael Lord by Govan Basson (Totalkaos Studio).

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