Four-time defending SA National MTB Marathon Champion, Robyn de Groot will head to the City of Pietermaritzburg to battle it out once again for the coveted National Jersey at Cascades MTB Park on Sunday 21 May.
The Team Ascendis Health rider raced to third overall at this year’s Cape Epic with German partner and cross-country specialist Sabine Spitz, despite unexpected challenges and obstacles during their gruelling eight-day adventure. “Form-wise, it was a good Epic, and I’m happy with how we did, but it was very challenging as we faced many hiccups along the way. But that’s all part of mountain biking, isn’t it,” she said.
Photo by Dino Lloyd/Tread MTB
Cold and treacherous conditions also didn’t serve De Groot and her partner Mariske Strauss well when they tackled the KAP Sani2c last week, but both rode hard to finish in third place overall after Stage Two was neutralised because of bad weather.
De Groot is hoping that her fortunes will change after her recent stage-race hiccups, and that her Marathon Championships’ momentum will continue so that she can make it five out of five championships since turning to mountain biking from the road scene in 2013.
Being familiar with what the venue layout has to offer, De Groot said: “I’ve raced three events in Pietermaritzburg, it should be a great ride.”
The MTB Marathon Championship distances are as follows:
80km – Elite Men only
60km – Elite Women, Masters 30+ Men and Women
50km – Junior and Youth Men and Women
While the marathon enthusiasts take to the tracks at the 2017 SA National MTB Marathon Championships, Cross-country Eliminator races will also be taking place for the Youth and under categories at the Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 21 May.
The Eliminator discipline sees four riders compete per heat over a distance much shorter than a normal cross-country course. This is a very fast-paced spectator-friendly discipline. The fastest two riders progress to the next heat and the slower two are eliminated from the race. This continues until there are only four riders left to determine first to fourth place.
The category options for Sunday’s Eliminator are as follows:
Sub Nipper (U8) – Entries on Saturday or Sunday
Nipper (U10)
Sprog (11-12)
Sub Junior (13-14)
Open
The Cascades MTB Park is situated right next to the Cascades Shopping Centre – which provides the perfect opportunity for friends and families supporting the riders to grab a snack or drink. Those who aren’t followers of the sport can spend their time browsing the great selection of boutiques and stores at the centre.
For more information about the National MTB Marathon Championships and Cross-country Eliminator, click here: https://www.cyclingsa.
Source: Cycling South Africa
