Monday, 18 April 2011 11:19
Stewart wins at Husqvarna Mid-Illovo
On Sunday 17 April 2011, Brandon Stewart (Team DCM) headed a thrilling sprint finish in Sunday’s Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge in KwaZulu-Natal to beat Adrien Niyonshuti (MTN Qhubeka). Niyonshuti, a Rawandan national racing here in South Africa most of the year, who together with Mannie Heymans, were the first African team at the recent Cape Epic. They beat Stewart and his partner into second place but Niyonshuti couldn’t match Stewart’s local knowledge and final sprint at Mid-Illovo.
While the weather may have been cold and wet, the racing was very hot. Stewart and Niyonshuti, together with previous winner Andrew Hill dominated proceedings at the front of the race, on a course that was spectacular in scenery but treacherous under wheel as a result of the rain that fell continuously during the morning. With less than a kilometre to go, the pressure finally told on Hill who dropped off the front leaving Stewart and Niyonshuti to battle for line honours. Stewart’s winning time was 1:47.51, with Niyonshuti only a second later. Hill crossed the line a further two minutes behind.
KwaZulu-Natal’s evergreen Amy-Jane Mundy, with her undisputed national multi disciplined experience and class, completely dominated the ladies field, finishing in the top 25 overall. Her winning time of 2:31.06. highlighted the difficult riding conditions. According to Mundy, “The conditions were very diffcult, but I had so much fun out there in the mud. It is what mountain biking is all about.”
Yvette Roberts was second lady home in 2.35.12 and Andrea Deboer, still riding as a Junior, was third.
The 18km race, ridden mostly through the beautiful Gwahumbe Game Reserve, was a popular choice and Brandon Carew finished first in the men’s race in 1:03.50. The ladies’ race was won by Cath De Souza in 1:09.21.
Local boy Derren Smith won the iNsingizi 18km Trail Run which had runners traversing through brand new sections of single track. This year’s trail runs were well supported with over 70 entries. Cameron Service, won the 8km trail run. “The trail runs were very well received and will continue to be a growth area for next year,” said race organiser, Brett Austen-Smith.
Praise was high for the organisers and community with positive feedback on the race’s challenging terrain, spectacular vistas, well-manned water tables and excellent markings and marshalling.
Sunday’s events which included the 40km Husqvarna Classic, the 18km Gwahumbe Game Reserve Fun Ride, the 5km and 10km Milky Lane Kids Rides and the iNsingizi 18km Trail Run and 8km trail run – are tailor-made for both professional athletes and families.
There was something for everyone, including those family members who turned out in full force to support the riders and runners this year despite the very rainy and muddy conditions. The participants’ hard work paid off with a refreshing Aquelle flavoured water drink when they crossed the finish line, whilst the children indulged in Milky Lane treats.
The sponsors of this race - Husqvarna, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, iNsingizi Game and Spa & Spa and Milky Lane were all thrilled with the participation and spirit. The Mid-Illovo community is in agreement that this race was flawlessly executed by the organisers.
For further information and race results, log onto www.roag.co.za
Results:
Husqvarna 40km Men’s Mountain Bike Challenge
· 1st Brandon Stewart in 1:47.51
· 2nd Adrien Niyonshuti
· 3rd Andrew Hill
Husqvarna 40km Women’s Mountain Bike Challenge
· 1st Amy –Jane Mundy in 2.31.06
· 2nd Yvette Roberts
· 3rd Andrea de Boer
Gwahumbe Game Reserve & Spa 18km Men’s Fun Ride
· 1st Brandon Carew in 1.03.50
· 2nd Ian Shooter
· 3rd Juan-Pierre Folgado
Gwahumbe Game Reserve & Spa 18km Women’s Fun Ride
· 1st Jade Hattingh in 1:02.34
· 2nd Lizaan Pelser
· 3rd Kayla Edwards
iNsingizi 18km Trail Run
· 1st – Derrin Smith
iNsingizi 8km Trail Run / Walk
· 1st – Cameron Service
Add comment
