The 2021 edition of the CCPP Group Dr Evil Classic 3-Day Stage Race took place successfully over this Heritage long weekend. This boutique style stage race sold out with 250 riders on the start line at the beautiful Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve on Thursday 23rd September 2021. The arrival of Spring and the easing of restrictions on mass sports events combined to deliver perfect timing for the 9th edition of this iconic event.
Stage 1 was hard and hot with beautiful scenery and an idyllic start amongst the wildlife at the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. Riders felt the heat as they completed the 71km course that had 1400m of climbing.
Stage 2 kicked off at the grand Kurland Hotel and Polo Estate pavilion on Friday 24th and the weather was cooler and some fierce racing took place amongst the front riders. Most of the field, however, participated purely for fun and it was super to see people relaxing outdoors after 18 months of tough times due to Covid-19.
“It was a great day out on the course, perfect weather and lots of smiling faces”, said CEO of The CCPP Group – Clint Cawood. Clint has ridden the event many times over the years and decided to come on board as the title partner in 2019.
Day 3 is known for its singletrack and spectacular ocean views as it traverses both indigenous forest sections and parts of the Robberg Coastal Corridor. Leon Evans aka Dr Evil threw a curve ball for the riders and added a new section of singletrack the day before race day. This elevated the route and took racing to a new level and there were many happy faces as riders relaxed at the splendid Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm in perfect weather at the end of Stage 3.
The event ended on a joyful high note thanks to the Pay It Forward lucky draw, compliments of Scott Sports Africa. Riders were encouraged to put their name in the lucky draw “hat” to stand a chance to win a magnificent – SCOTT SPARK RC 900 TEAM AXS bike worth over R100 000.
The twist in the tale was that whoever won the bicycle, would need to give their current bicycle to a development rider. Over 100 people entered the draw and the name drawn on stage was none other than up and coming local development rider from the KWANO Cycling Academy, Anelisa Aries. Colin Shave, who is a manager at this Academy, was overjoyed as this also meant that Anelisa could give his bicycle, which was the best bicycle at the Academy to another development rider. This was a fitting end to a fantastic three days of riding in Plettenberg Bay.
Leading final General Classification Results:
Solo Women
- Nicky Giliomee
- Johanet Heymann
- Amor Beyersbergen
Solo Men
- Grant Hall
- Jaco Storm
- Jaco Bosman
Women’s Team
- Estie Potgieter & Rozaan Bekker
- Stella Snyman & Esta Van Wyk
- Karlien De Briun & Jayde Oates
Men’s Team
- Francois Bosman & Ashley Marsh
- Kevin Evans & Neill Clarke
- Sipho Mthembu & Anelisa Aries
Mixed Team
- Andrew & Andrea van Blommenstein
- Patrick & Lianna Davidson
- Bradley & Magdell Woodward
The entries for the 2022 edition of the event will open on 25th January 2022. Limited entries will be made available.
Source: Headstrong Productions
