The sixth annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge got off to an action-packed start at the beautiful Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Saturday 11 September 2021. Families and newcomers to the sport had the opportunity to join in on the fun by taking on the 15km Fun Ride, while junior mountain bikers got to test their skill at the Kids Event.
The Fedhealth MTB Challenge 15km Fun Ride featured a total climb of 250m. An easy rideable route made this event ideal for newcomers to the sport.
Ryan Koorzen (12) from Bellville set a blistering pace in the men’s race crossing the finish line first in a time of 47 minutes 57 seconds. “The race was very nice,” says Koorzen. “I wanted to win today and wasn’t too worried about the competition. I enjoyed the singletrack the most. I’ll definitely come back to the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in 2022.” Camryn Marais came in second, while Nathan Fatti finished third.
Ryan Koorzen won the male category in the 15km Fun Race. Photo: Chris Hitchcock
Eliz McIntyre’s finishing time of 01 hour 03 minutes 16 seconds secured her the top spot on the podium in the Women’s Race. Jayde Oates came in second, while Sharyn Marais finished third. According to Oates (Bloubergstrand) the 15km Fun Ride was awesome. “The singletrack was really cool and there were fun sections through the trees. It was great to be out, around people and on my bike just having fun. This is the second time that I take part in the event. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Peyten Solomons won the 5km Kids Event. Photo: Chris Hitchcock
A highlight on the SA mountain biking calendar, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event catered for ages 1 – 13 with junior MTB enthusiasts choosing between a 500m (0-5 years), 1.5km (6-9 years) and a 5km (10–13 years) event.
Andreas Mouton (4) from Durbanville had a great time in the 500m Kids Event. “I’m first,” exclaimed a very happy Mouton. “The event was fun. I went fast.”
Alyssa Bosch (7) from Durbanville was the first female rider across the finish line in the 1.5km Kids Event. “I’m super happy,” says Bosch. “I’m very proud to come first. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Peyten Solomons (11) from Kylemore (Stellenbosch) was the rider to beat in the 5km Kids Event. “This is the second time that I take part in the Fedhealth MTB Challenge. It was a really nice event. I wanted to come first. My favourite part about mountain biking is the sprints.”
Alyssa Bosch won the 1.5km Kids Event. | Photo: Chris Hitchcock
Says Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth Principal Officer: “We are delighted by the turnout at our Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events. Aptly themed Ride Open Spaces, this year’s event was a celebration of being active in the fresh air once again, something that’s so important for kids as they grow into healthy, active adults. I could see young riders just having fun out there on the tracks at Blaauwklippen, and it made me smile. Hopefully we will have an even bigger field to welcome next year!”
TOP 10 OVERALL RESULTS: 2021 Fedhealth MTB Challenge 15km Fun Ride
DATE: Saturday 11 September 2021
VENUE: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
+-15km: OVERALL MALES
1 Ryan Koorzen 00:47:57
2 Camryn Marais 00:49:24
3 Nathan Fatti 00:57:13
4 Tyler van Gesselleen 00:57:14
5 Jonathan Gesselleen 00:57:15
6 Curt-Leigh Mars 01:01:53
7 Mark Hope 01:03:14
8 Warren Dean 01:03:18
9 Wesley Moses 01:04:16
10 Duane Niegaardt 01:06:05
Andreas Mouton won the 500m Kids Event. Photo: Chris Hitchcock
+-15km: OVERALL FEMALES
1 Eliz McIntyre 01:03:16
2 Jayde Oates 01:03:54
3 Sharyn Marais 01:05:19
4 Zandré Louw 01:05:59
5 Isabella Stermin 01:08:03
6 Dian du Toit 01:14:20
7 Karien Pauw 01:22:34
8 Danette de Klerk 01:24:34
9 Shirley Knibbs 01:26:54
10 Danica Dannhauser 01:27:03
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Fedhealth MTB Challenge proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration. Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration focuses on supporting South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care. Mountain bikers could make a donation towards the cause when entering the event online. For more information or to make a direct donation towards The Kindness Collaboration visit https://www.fedhealth.co.za/kindness-collaboration/
Source: Newsport Media
