Stellenbosch – Team RECM’s Erik Kleinhans and James Reid closed their racing season off on a high note on Sunday, by claiming gold at the FNB Wines2Whales (W2W) Three Day Mountain Bike (MTB) Stage Race.
Although Stage Three saw Team RECM crossing the finish line in second place, 59 seconds behind Gawie Combrinck and Johann Rabie of Team EAI South Africa, their combined efforts over the three days firmly placed them on the top step of the podium, with an impressive overall finishing time of 8 hours 17 minutes 19 seconds.
“Hats off to Gawie and Johann for giving us a good go today,” said Kleinhans. “From the start it was clear that Team EAI had a plan to make up the two minute gap to secure the overall second place position. With about 5km to go we accepted that they were the stronger team, and just focused on enjoying the last kilometres to the finish. This is our last race in the RECM colours. It’s been a great journey with our sponsors who have actually become friends. W2W is the best race. From the trails, to the food and organisation, the organisers have everything perfectly dialled.”
Gawie Combrinck and Johan Rabie of Team EAI South Africa came in second, while Adriaan Louw and Hendrik Kruger of Team CONTEGO Pro MTB finished third.
Robyn De Groot and Jennie Stenerhag of Team Ascendis Health set the pace in the women’s race claiming victory in a combined time of 9:46.19 seconds.
“Stage Three was fast from the start,” said De Groot. “Although Jennie and I struggled on Stage Two, we had a good day today as partners, working well together. It was really nice competing against Candice and Ariane. With Ascendis Health sponsoring the ladies MTB team this year, it is really special for us to claim the top spot on the podium. W2W is mountain biking candy. It doesn’t get better than this.”
Candice Neethling and Ariane Kleinhans of Team RECM Ladies came in second, while Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders of Team Galileo Risk Valencia finished third.
Power couple Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Carl Pasio of Team Bigla claimed victory in the mixed team category with a combined finishing time of 10:07.05 seconds.
“Today I realised that a lack in mountain bike training will definitely cost you,” laughed Moolman-Pasio.
“The stage was really tough. Carl rode really well today and pulled me through it. W2W is a great race and a fun way to finish the year.”
Andreas Studer and Carmen Buchacher of Team Craft cycling came in second, while Yolandi Du Toit and Gordon Alan finished third. – African News Agency (ANA)