Wilde MTB race at Simonsberg

The 1^st-ever Simonsberg MTB Classic lived up to its name – a real classic race as experienced and enjoyed by the riders, some of them coming through to the beautiful Zorgvliet Wine Estate in spite of some hefty downpours at their homes.  The weather in Stellenbosch held up nicely over the weekend (but for 1 small shower at the venue) and the exquisite route, which can be ridden only in this race, was arguably the best that any mountain biker can wish for in South Africa –  challenging, good mix of farm track, jeep track, flowing, pulsating single track, and technical single track and downhills.  

The scenery and views all around the slumbering giant of Simonsberg is absolutely breathtaking.  Riders were also treated to the beauty, charm and elegance of some of the earliest and most famous wine estates in South Africa.

This was also the 1^st Corporate MTB League race of 2012, for which an Individual Handicap Competition was added. Due to the uniqueness of the race it was decided to allow day riders to participate, who just wanted to ride the route on a once-off basis, not wanting to participate in the League.

In spite of the difficulty of the route, the PRO Rocky Mountain Team of Timo Cooper and Jarryd Hayley didn’t waste any time in completing the challenging 45km Corporate League course in a mere 2h32min! 

 The next Corporate MTB League race will be at Ongegund Lodge Somerset West on 26 May.  Please click here if you haven’t already entered for the League and would like to join in.

Results Summary:

Corporate Team Competition 45 km: 

(Please remember the times shown here are the ADJUSTED times according to the handicap system)

1. Berco Express – Mark Mahoney and Johan Marais 2:12:44 nett, h’cap 27
2. Wilde Fruit Juice – Jacques Groenewald and Christo Nimb 2:20:12 nett, h’cap 40
3. Carmien Tea – Albert Bester and Carlo Immelman 2:26:17 nett, h’cap 35

Corporate Individual Competition 45 km: 

(Please remember the times shown here are the ADJUSTED times according to the handicap system)

1.     Tiaan Strauss     2:17:51 nett,  29 h’cap

2.    Deon vd Merwe 2:29:21 nett,  29 h’cap

3.     William Carter  2:34:22 nett, 44 h’cap

Open Day Men 55km:

1.                   Charles  Keey   2:24:24

2.                   Adriaan Louw  2:30:12

3.                   Erik Kleynhans 2:35:54

Open Day Ladies 55km:

1.                   Ariane Kleynhans 3:00:21

2.                   Jenny Stenerhag  3:17:33

3.                   Leana de Jager 3:32.04

Renosterveld Challenge a Great Success

This year’s Ride the Rhino Mountain Bike Challenge, hosted by ‘The Renosterveld Trust’, was a great success with Team Wilde riders, Reniell Matthysen and Timo Cooper, taking 2nd place. Superb effort guys!

Wilde fruit juice proudly sponsored this event, tantalizing riders taste buds at fuel stop stations along the way, and more importantly helping to raise awareness about the plight of the Rhino in South Africa. Did you know that only 4% of the Renosterveld habitat remains? Wilde encourages all SA citizens to be a part of this endeavor by helping to promote conservation and the natural beauty of our scenic country.

Be sure to be involved with the next Renosterveld MTB Challenge. Visit www.renosterveldmtb.co.za for more information. Wilde hopes to see you there!

Renosterveld Victories

Team Wilde rode to victory at last weekend's Renosterveld MTB ride from Langebaan - Durbanville. Reniell Matthysen and Timo Cooper won the first 2 stages of the race which was a great victory! Alas, an unfortunate tyre puncture caused the team to finish 2nd overall which is still a fantastic result.

Robert King (Wellington Farmer) and Uros Kepic (MD of Tetrapak SA and Sub Sahara) also did very well, having finished the race with no complaints.

Team Wilde is looking forward to future MTB rides and the much anticipated Cape pioneer trek.