The title sponsor’s Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus, who finished second at the recent Old Mutual joBerg2c, will be looking for a rematch with champion Brandon Stewart, who saddles up with solo category winner Kevin Evans under the FedGroup-Itec banner.

Also in the mix at the three-day Garden Route race will be last year’s runner-up Timo Cooper, riding alongside Germany’s Nico Pfitzenmaier in the colours of Bridge.

The women’s race will feature the likes of 10-time Absa Cape Epic finisher Hannele Steyn and eight-time national road champion Anriëtte Schoeman, who made her off-road debut at last week’s Nedbank sani2c.

The event will also be sporting celebrity firepower in the form of TV doctor Michael Mol, ex-Springbok rugby player Victor Matfield and two Olympic athletes – pole-vaulter Okkert Brits and rower Matthew Brittain, who was sixth at joBerg2c.

According to race director Patric Mosterd of Garden Route Events, the 200km route through tough terrain was ideally suited to riders with moderate to advanced technical abilities and fitness.

“It’s definitely a challenge for the average rider who works for a living but is passionate about getting out into the mountains.

“It’s also perfect for the racing snakes to race from beginning to end.”

Mosterd said the race had grown by 40 percent from the previous year, forcing organisers to cap the field at 300 entries to ensure a premium experience for riders.

“That means no queues, lots of personal attention and maximum rider enjoyment, which ensures a quality event for everyone, including our sponsors.”

The 75km first stage, which includes 1 580m of ascent, starts at the Knysna Elephant Park and heads out towards Wittedrift before climbing up towards Protea Wilds Retreat.

Mosterd said the leaders would probably have an opportunity to open a gap on the single track section at Petrus se Brand. “Only the best make it all the way to the top without pushing”.

“The highlight of the day must be the 4km contour single track through the most beautiful section of indigenous forest on the Garden Route.”

Day two, which is 68km long and features 1 620m of climbing, begins at Rheenendal and takes in some of the area’s historical attractions.

“The first 28km of this stage includes 130-year-old Yellowwood trees, river crossings, the Outeniqua Hiking Trail, Millwood gold mines, great views and lots of elephant dung.”

Mosterd said the third and final 57km stage from the Harkerville Forestry Station wrapped up with the well-known Harkerville single track, before heading back to Knysna via the scenic Brackenhill Falls.

Aside from podium prizes, riders stand to win R50 000 worth of RE:CM unit trusts, as well as other giveaways, in a raffle which benefits the Knysna Sports School.

Visit www.recmknysna200.co.za, like Garden Route Events on Facebook or follow @gardenroutelive.

CAPTIONS:

(RE:CM Knysna 200)

Some of the country’s top mountain bikers will head a capacity field when the third edition of the RE:CM Knysna 200 mountain bike stage race rolls out on June 7. Photo: Supplied

(Waylon Woolcock)

RE:CM’s Waylon Woolcock (pictured) and team-mate Lourens Luus will head a strong pro field at this year’s RE:CM Knysna 200 mountain bike race from June 7 to 9. Photo: Supplied

via www.fullstopcom.com

The Good. Rock Shox SiD World Cup. Amazing piece of equipment. Don’t you think?

There was a very Special Specialized in the shop. I’ll just leave it at that. I’m not really allowed to say anything else.

SRAM XX1. Not a big fan of SRAM but damn this is a Brilliant piece of machinery.

I’ve been busy building this Cotic. A 26″ Soul. I’ll be doing a post on this particular topic soon.

Don’t you just love match makers?

One design I rate as a complete failure. Rock Shox could’ve done something else with this. Many a time I’ve had to sort of bend this thing right so the lever doesn’t slip out continuously.

Man this Fox lockout is an eye sore. Yes. There’s not really anything else they could’ve done but I’ll get a fork with the normal lockout just to get rid of this.

OB stripped a factory built wheel to fit another hub the other day. This is what he noticed. Different lengths of spokes. Brilliant joke, company who shall not be named.

Riding in the colours of EAI-Westvaal, the pair finished fourth on the 80km final stage from Highflats to Scottburgh to claim the victors’ laurels in an aggregate time of 9:44:50.

It was Knox’s second win in the world’s largest fully serviced stage race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth.

Defending champion Kevin Evans won the final stage alongside FedGroup-Itec team-mate Gawie Combrinck in 2:45:16.

They were followed home by RE:CM’s Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus in 2:47:59, with Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald rounding out the podium for FedGroup-Itec a further second back.

In the overall standings, Stewart and MacDonald claimed the runners-up spot in 9:46:19, with Contego-Giant’s Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns third in 9:49:02.

Bell, who currently leads the MTN marathon series ahead of Knox, said he and his sometime adversary were currently both on good form and riding well together.

“We weren’t really going for the stage win today, we just wanted to take the win overall. But we wanted to make it hard from the start, so we rode away slightly in the beginning.”

The Mpumalanga-based riders kept a steady pace but by the first waterpoint, 23km in, all the main contenders were back together.

“And then FedGroup-Itec put in a lot of work because they wanted to set it up for their second team (Evans and Combrinck),” said Bell.

“We just had to make sure that Brandon and Neil didn’t ride away so we just sat on their wheel all day. We were happy for the other guys to go up the road because they were still 12 or so minutes behind us.”

The top teams worked together through Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and past the second waterpoint at 58km.

Then, with 20km to go, Evans and Combrinck made their break along the railway track.

“I said this morning I would really like to win this stage,” said Evans. “The guys were all super competitive but we managed to get away.”

The win has special significance for the five-time champion, who has endured a long road to full recovery following abdominal surgery earlier this year.

“I’m super chuffed, it’s been a long time coming for me.”

In the women’s race, Ischen Stopforth added a second title to her name, this time alongside Olympic road rider Robyn de Groot.

The Biogen team clocked 3:14:58 for the stage victory en route to a convincing category win in a combined time of 11:32:52.

Britain’s Catherine Williamson, who won with Stopforth last year, took second on the stage with bizhub team-mate Yolandi du Toit in 3:25:40. FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore completed the day’s podium in 3:33:17.

These teams occupy the same positions in the general classification with overall times of 11:54:16 and 12:51:48 respectively.

De Groot, riding in her first Nedbank sani2c, said she had thoroughly enjoyed the different discipline.

“I love mountain biking. I loved the trails and single track.

“Obviously I have some room for improvement but it’s great to learn from someone with Ischen’s experience.”

She said the 360Life floating bridge over Scottburgh lagoon and into the sea had proved challenging.

“It was a little bit more unstable than I expected. There were some wobbly moments, especially in the corners!”

Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of RE:CM stamped their authority on the race by taking a third consecutive overall victory in the mixed category in 11:00:43.

They finished more than 27 minutes clear of stage three winners Kendall Ryan and Patrick Belton of Jeep-Felt, who claimed second on the standings in 11:28:28.

Ryan and Belton took the stage into Scottburgh in 3:06:04, just 26 seconds ahead of the Kleinhans couple, with Educos’s Taygan Robson and Samantha Saunders two minutes back in 3:08:10.

The final step of the overall podium however belonged to RMB Change a Life Academy’s John Ntuli and Jeannie Dreyer in 11:38:09.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

CAPTIONS:

(Max Knox & Nico Bell)

EAI-Westvaal’s Max Knox (front) and Nico Bell en route to overall victory in the Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, at Scottburgh on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

(Erik & Ariane Kleinhans)

RE:CM’s Ariane Kleinhans leads husband Erik across the 360Life floating bridge at Scottburgh as they head towards their third win in the mixed category at the Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

(Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot)

Biogen Ladies’ Ischen Stopforth (front) and Robyn de Groot cross the 360Life floating bridge en route to victory in the women’s category at the Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race at Scottburgh on Saturday. Photo: Kelvin Trautman

RESULTS

Stage 3

Men: 1. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 2:45:16; 2. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 2:47:59; 3. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 2:48:00; 4. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 2:48:01; 5. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 2:48:28

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 3:14:58; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 3:25:40; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 3:33:17; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 4:06:15; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 4:11:11

Mixed: 1. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 3:06:04; 2. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 3:06:30; 3. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 3:08:10; 4. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 3:14:44; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 3:19:11

Overall

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 9:44:50; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 9:46:19; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 9:49:02; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 9:50:48; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 9:51:43

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 11:32:52; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 11:54:16; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 12:51:48; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 14:06:56; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 14:10:45

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 11:00:43; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 11:28:28; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 11:38:09; 4. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 11:49:02; 5. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 11:54:34

via www.fullstopcom.com

After crashing early on the descent into the Umkomaas River Valley, the mud-spattered EAI-Westvaal riders powered their way back to claim the 99km stage from MacKenzie Club near Ixopo to Jolivet farm in the Highflats region.

They crossed the finish line first in 4:09:36, almost a minute-and-a-half ahead of second-placed Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald of FedGroup-Itec (4:11:01). Early leaders Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns of Contego-Giant trailed them home in 4:13:23.

An on-form Bell and Knox, who are currently lying first and second in the MTN marathon series, moved from fourth to first in the overall standings with an aggregate time of 6:56:49.

Stewart and MacDonald, who were fifth in the general classification, moved into the runner-up spot for a combined time of 6:58:19, while Knipe and Heyns slipped from second to third overall in 7:00:34.

Overnight leaders Charles Keey and Darren Lill dropped out of contention completely after mechanical problems put paid to their chances.

Faced with over 2 200m of descending, Knipe and Heyns threw caution to the wind as they set a blistering pace early on and flew towards the valley floor.

By the time they reached the first waterpoint alongside the St Josephine’s bridge at the 38km mark, they had opened up an almost seven-minute lead on Bell and Knox.

A further two minutes off the pace were Lill and Keey, Stewart and MacDonald, Woolcock and Luus (RE:CM) and Kevin Evans and Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2).

While RE:CM and Cannondale-Blend fell back due to punctures, Stewart and MacDonald pulled clear of the remaining chasers to catch Bell and Knox on the climb out of the valley.

The two teams worked together to close the gap on the leaders and by the second water table, at 65km, Knipe and Heyns’s lead had narrowed to just three minutes.

By the final waterpoint at Highflats Church 15km later, the three leading teams were together at the front.

“Once we got to Highflats and Nico was still looking fresh I knew that maybe we wouldn’t win but we at least needed to make it hard for the other guys,” said Knox.

“Then we got a gap and made it count to the finish. Hopefully we can have a smooth run tomorrow and bring it home.”

There was an interesting tussle in the women’s race as overnight leaders Ischen Stopforth and Robyn de Groot of Biogen also encountered mechanical difficulties over the first 50km.

“It was a mudslide out there today,” said De Groot. “Ischen had chainsuck that sucked like a vampire and then her saddle dropped.”

After stopping to fix the seatpost, the two caught and passed leading ladies Catherine Williamson and Yolandi du Toit of bizhub on the valley ascent.

Stopforth and De Groot eventually came home in 5:10:09, more than eight minutes clear of second-placed Williamson and Du Toit (5:18:59). FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore finished third in 5:41:35.

With an aggregate time of 8:17:54, the stage win puts Biogen more than 10 minutes clear of their bizhub rivals on the overall standings.

Williamson and Stopforth remain second in 8:28:36, with Stewart and Moore rounding out the podium in 9:18:31.

Mixed category leaders Erik and Ariane Kleinhans played it carefully in the treacherous conditions but still showed their class by taking the stage in 4:56:35 to cement a convincing overall lead (7:54:13).

They were followed home by Jeep-Felt’s Patrick Belton and his American partner Kendall Ryan in 5:10:14, with RMB Change a Life Academy’s John Ntuli and Jeannie Dreyer a further 25 seconds adrift.

“We decided not to risk anything today, especially in the mud, so we were joined by John and Jeannie,” said Erik Kleinhans.

“We rode with them for a while and then we stopped to clean our bikes. We eventually caught up to them with about 40km to go and rode together but on the climbs Ariane was a bit stronger and we pulled away.

“But they looked good out there today. It was nice to see them up front for a while.”

Belton and Ryan climbed two places to second overall (8:22:24), while Ntuli and Dreyer moved up from fifth to third (8:23:25).

The final stage of the race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, will see riders crossing the Scottburgh lagoon and riding out onto the Indian Ocean on a world-first floating bridge after covering 80km from Jolivet.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

CAPTION:

Max Knox (left) and Nico Bell of EAI-Westvaal took a surprise victory in the decisive second stage of the three-day Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday. Photo: Full Stop Communications

RESULTS

Stage 2

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 4:09:36; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 4:11:01; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 4:13:23; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 4:15:38; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 4:18:21

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 5:10:09; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 5:18:59; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 5:41:35; 4. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 6:04:40; 5. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 6:10:18

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 4:56:35; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 5:10:14; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 5:10:39; 4. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 5:18:40; 5. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 5:31:14

Overall

Men: 1. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 6:56:49; 2. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 6:58:19; 3. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 7:00:34; 4. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 7:02:49; 5. Kevin Evans & Gawie Combrinck (FedGroup-Itec 2) 7:06:27

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 8:17:54; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 8:28:36; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 9:18:31; 4. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 9:59:34; 5. Melanie Palframan & Eszter Erdelyi (FoxVelolife) 10:00:41

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 7:54:13; 2. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 8:22:24; 3. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 8:23:25; 4. Nedene Cahill & Ivor Jones (Pure Adventurewear) 8:35:23; 5. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 8:40:52

via www.fullstopcom.com

The Cannondale-Blend duo timed it perfectly to hold off all contenders in a bunch sprint to the finish, taking the 87km stage from Underberg to MacKenzie Club in 2:47:10.

They were followed home a second later by runners-up Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus of RE:CM, with Louis-Bresler Knipe and Gert Heyns of Contego-Giant a further second adrift.

“It’s really nice for Charles and I because we’ve both been sick and had a bad run at Epic and joBerg2c, so this win has been a long time coming,” said Lill.

He said the presence of at least half a dozen strong teams upfront had made the racing a lot more tactical and the pace had varied accordingly.

“It was a lot more like a road race, actually,” said the former national road champion.

According to his team-mate Keey, who finished second last year alongside James Reid, the racing had split on the Oak Maze dual track within the first 12km.

“It regrouped a bit after that and then we went into another bit of single track through the trees.”

Climbing out of that section, the decisive move came on the tough View Climb – the highest point on the event.

The top six teams – including Max Knox and Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal), Brandon Stewart and Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec), and Andrew Hill and Leeroy Emslie (TIB) – shook off the chasers as they powered up the ascent.

They stayed together over the PG Bison floating bridge at the 30km mark and through both waterpoints, with Keey taking the lead into the final uphill drag to the finish.

“We were positioned fairly well. Charles hit out at the right time, just as the hill crested, and kept it going all the way to the line,” said Lill.

“I was just following the right wheels and I could see by the time we got to this grass finish that we were going to take it.”

In the women’s race, the stage victory went to Ischen Stopforth and Olympic road racer Robyn de Groot, riding in the colours of Biogen, in 3:07:45.

They came home almost two minutes ahead of Stopforth’s former bizhub partner Catherine Williamson – with whom she won last year – and Yolandi du Toit in 3:09:37. FedGroup-Itec’s Bridgette Stewart and Jackie Moore finished a distant third in 3:36:55.

De Groot, competing in her maiden Nedbank sani2c, said it was great to be riding with the seasoned Stopforth but that their lead was far from secure. “A minute or two isn’t much in mountain biking.”

Two-time Absa Cape Epic and Old Mutual joBerg2c champions Erik and Ariane Kleinhans of RE:CM once again showed world-class form by winning the mixed category in 2:57:38.

They were followed by Educos duo Taygan Robson and Samantha Sanders in 3:09:38, with Sweden’s Jennie Stenerhag and Nizaam Esa of Asrin Cycling third in 3:11:42.

On Friday, the gruelling 99km second stage from Ixopo to Jolivet farm near Highflats features a spectacular descent into the Umkomaas River Valley and 2 288m of climbing.

The race, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, wraps up with a world-first floating bridge finish into the sea at Scottburgh’s main beach on Saturday.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

CAPTION:

(sani2c bunch)

Cannondale-Blend’s Charles Keey (second from left) and Darren Lill (second from right) held off all challengers to take the opening stage of the three-day Nedbank sani2c at MacKenzie Club near Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. Photo: Jon Ivins

(Cannondale-Blend)

Cannondale-Blend’s Charles Keey (left) and Darren Lill claimed the opening stage of the three-day Nedbank sani2c at MacKenzie Club near Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. Photo: Full Stop Communications

RESULTS

Stage 1

Men: 1. Charles Keey & Darren Lill (Cannondale-Blend) 2:47:10; 2. Louis-Bresler Knipe & Gert Heyns (Contego-Giant) 2:47:11; 3. Waylon Woolcock & Lourens Luus (RE:CM) 2:47:11; 4. Max Knox & Nico Bell (EIA-Westvaal) 2:47:13; 5. Brandon Stewart & Neil MacDonald (FedGroup-Itec) 2:47:18

Women: 1. Ischen Stopforth & Robyn de Groot (Biogen Ladies) 3:07:45; 2. Catherine Williamson & Yolandi du Toit (bizhub) 3:09:37; 3. Bridgette Stewart & Jackie Moore (FedGroup-Itec) 3:36:56; 4. Christi Pienaar & Nadine Kloppers (Angry Birds) 3:49:16; 5. Andrea von Holdt & Sanmari Woithe (Merrell Ladies) 3:51:09

Mixed: 1. Ariane Kleinhans & Erik Kleinhans (RE:CM) 2:57:38; 2. Taygan Robson & Samantha Sanders (Educos) 3:09:38; 3. Nizaam Esa & Jennie Stenerhag (Asrin Cycling) 3:11:42; 4. Patrick Belton & Kendall Ryan (Jeep-Felt) 3:12:10; 5. John Ntuli & Jeannie Dreyer (RMB Change a Life) 3:12:46

via www.fullstopcom.com

Evans, who is slowly returning to form following complications from abdominal surgery, is set to mount his title defence in the 271km Race alongside ad hoc partner Gawie Combrinck.

The FedGroup-Itec duo will face stiff competition from a strong pro field that includes Old Mutual joBerg2c champions Neil MacDonald and Brandon Stewart (FedGroup-Itec) as well as runners-up Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus (RE:CM).

Also in the mix are Max Knox (Specialized/EAI Solutions), who currently leads the MTN National MTB Marathon series with three wins from four races, and Combrinck’s regular partner Nico Bell (Westvaal-Bell Cycles).

“I think we have a great chance at a podium but the racing will be very close this year,” said 34-year-old Evans.

“One small mistake could cost you the race and, if we’re smart, being in the right place at the right time could be the difference between a podium and a win.”

He said Combrinck, 27, was currently on good form and well rested after missing the joBerg2c due to Bell’s illness. Evans himself took the laurels in the solo category at the nine-day event.

“I could see Gawie’s form at the Mzansi Tour where he rode on the national squad alongside Robert Hunter. It was then that we chatted about sani2c.

“I think he will be the stronger rider for sure at this stage in our partnership. Makes me nervous!”

Evans said he was still rebuilding his form after battling with a recurring abscess following an appendectomy two years ago.

“It was a surgical problem but fortunately some good doctors finally got to the bottom of it this year. The form is improving slowly, bearing in mind that I’ve only been back on the bike for six weeks.”

The Plettenberg Bay-based rider is hoping to continue his winning streak that included various partners such as Stewart, Mannie Heymans, Alban Lakata, Ben-Melt Swanepoel and David George.

“I’m not sure what it is with sani2c, but it’s a great record. I think half the winning factor can be attributed to the race, in which I just really have fun.

“The route is great, the scenery and organisation is fantastic. It’s hard not to enjoy myself and, when I do, the results come.”

The Race finishes at Scottburgh on the South Coast on May 18.

The world’s largest mountain bike stage race is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth and comprises the Trail (May 14 to 16), Adventure (May 15 to 17) and Race (May 16 to 18) segments.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

CAPTION: Kevin Evans, shown here winning the solo category at the Old Mutual joBerg2c, will return to defend his title in the three-day Nedbank sani2c mountain bike race from Thursday. Photo: Supplied

via www.fullstopcom.com

So the first two brands I know nothing about. You can follow the links for more info. This is just to let you know that there are other bike brands. It’s not only my Cotic and your Merida.

 http://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/mtb

I don’t really get why BMC made this bike 3×10 XTR. I know the XX version is 2×10. Why did they make this specific one with and extra chain ring? I know the red XX version is so much lighter but to me this one looks better. You’ll see when you go look at the specs why I’m going on about this.

http://www.bmc-racing.com/int-en/bikes/mountainbike/xc/teamelite/te01_29/xtr.html

I get to see this bike quite a lot. I get to test them around the shop quite a lot. This bike has a Great feel to it. The Italian. Flashy yet… Fast. Definitely part of my hot bikes list!

http://www.pinarello.com/eng/dogma-xc.php

The Scalpel has got a special place in my heart. I’m a HUGE fan of Cannondale. I’m hoping that one day when I open my garage, there’ll be either this one or the Flash or both. Lines. Looks. Lefty. This thing has got it all! I’m a bit bummed out with the SRAM  but we can work around that. Look at it. Day dream. Drool.

http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/mountain/full-suspension-29er/scalpel-29er/scalpel-29er-carbon-1

 Then… The BEAST! I’m simply in love with this bike. The low down steerer. The carbon Reynolds wheels. The XTR derailleur and shifter. The Green, black and white. This machine of a bike makes any other bike on a start line look like a minor. Useless. This bike tells your bike that it has to go slow because it will rip your bike into pieces! Am I the only one that feels the aggressiveness here?

This bike is red and blue on the  Cannondale website. Still not green, white and black though - http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/f-series-29er/f29-carbon-1-28490

How does one describe a bike like this Orbea? I know there’s a movie scene where two guys stare at some girl or something and the one says to the other “Dude…” and his mate replies with “I know…” and then his mate says “Dude…” and then the guy replies with “I know…”. That’s the only way. Words can not describe a bike that should be mounted on a wall in your living room. I don’t think I’ll be able to ride this bike on a trail hey… For real now.

Don’t tell anyone I said so, but even their road bikes are hot.

http://www.orbea.com/int-en/bicycles/alma-29-s-team/

Good stuff to dream about… Right?

The seven-time Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour winner and eight-time national road champion will take on the three-day race from Underberg to Scottburgh alongside another converted dirt roadie Gary Marescia.

Riding in the colours of Aca Joe, for whom she is a brand ambassador, Schoeman said she was excited to fulfill a long-held ambition.

“I’ve seriously been wanting to do sani2c since I got my mountain bike at the end of last year. I tried to get an entry but was too late, so I was thrilled when I got the news.

“There are lots of stage races but I’ve always wanted to do sani2c because it’s such an awesome event and every seasoned mountain biker raves about it, so I thought I’d put it on my bucket list. I can’t wait to experience it myself.”

When asked whether she would be aiming for a podium finish, the five-time 94.7 Cycle Challenge winner said she would be using the event to sharpen her off-road skills.

“I think because this is my first mountain bike stage race I will just aim to learn from Gary and enjoy it. But my competitive nature might kick in at some point and it could turn into a race!”

Schoeman, who has represented South Africa at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, said she enjoyed the thrill of mountain biking but still had much to learn.

“I kind of enjoy crazy descents but my ‘let’s go down this hill as fast as possible and see what happens’ attitude doesn’t really count as a skill.”

The Port Elizabeth resident said she found the discipline a very different challenge to road racing, which involves bunch-oriented riding.

“In mountain biking there is absolutely no place to hide. You have to be physically strong and never get to rest or hide in the peloton.

“I quite enjoy pushing myself, but I must admit mountain biking requires a lot of mental toughness and patience, as you go much slower than on a road bike and half the distance might take twice as long.”

Unlike other roadies who have successfully made the transition, the 35-year-old said her participation did not represent a career segue into off-road racing.

“I don’t think I will ever fully convert to mountain biking but I must admit it’s a lot of fun and the change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air.”

The 2013 edition of Nedbank sani2c, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, features the world-first 360Life floating bridge, which will see participants ride out onto the Indian Ocean en route to the finish at Scottburgh’s main beach.

Schoeman will join 4 500 other riders across the Trail (May 14 to 16), Adventure (May 15 to 17) and Race (May 16 to 18) components.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za, find the race on Facebook or follow @sani2c_scoop.

CAPTION: Eight-time national road champion Anriëtte Schoeman will make her first foray into serious mountain biking at the world’s largest fully serviced stage race, the 251km Nedbank sani2c, presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, in KwaZulu-Natal from Thursday. Photo: Supplied

via www.fullstopcom.com

The weather. It confuses us. Now…

It’s been a mad week at Epic Sports seeing that everyone wanted to get ready for Sani2C. I reckon its been crazy all over. Really hope you guys enjoy the trails out there which I reckon should be good seeing that the Joberg2C okes had just gone over them a week ago. I’ll get there soon. Wanted to go do the Sani this year but it didn’t work out that way. It’s for the better as I got sick 2 weeks ago and would’ve never been ready for this in anyway. If you ride with GoPro, get it edited and post it on YouTube. Tag  Mountain Biking or share it via Twitter when you’re done. Just so we can see what’s it like.

Omnico delivered these Hans Rey special GT Karakoram bikes at the shop on Thursday. I built one and what a (weird) pleasant surprise it was. Such a good looking entry level bike this. If you’re in the market in buying a new entry level 29er, this could definitely be it.

After my sickness explosion two weeks ago and another 4 days after that of proper recovery I’ve finally started riding my bike. It’s been tough out but I got going slowly. 1-2 hours max each day and then I had to get to work. Today was something special though. I had planned for a decent 3 hour ride  but the ride I had today wasn’t exactly what it was supposed to be.

Paul told me last night that it would be an easy spin and so I agreed to meet up with them where we always wait for each other. It started of slow and easy but closer to the end they killed me little by little. It was a frikkin 36km/h average. I was slipping the hell out of all those okes just so I can keep up. Grueling first proper training ride with the crew but fun. Never a dull moment with the ASG_PYCycling guys, especially with that Kyle Woody guy around.

Here’s the last bit of my story. I reckon this was one of the best discoveries I could make, ever.

So got kind of bored of coffee and started drinking tea during the day. Here’s what I found at the Pick n Pay one morning on the way to work.

Now, go buy some and drink. Half a sugar, don’t play with the tea bag. Leave it until you feel it’s been in there for long enough then take it out without squeezing the remaining water out. Now I’ve got this, Chai, Rooibos and Honey, Rooibos and Chamomile, Earl grey, Plain Rooibos  and Peppermint Green tea. It definitely makes for healthier living. No jokes. I’ve been drinking tea and water since then and been feeling better and better everyday. Can’t say I’ll give up the Bicccs coffee though.

You’re welcome.

Hope you all have a Great week.

The company, which came on board as official life insurance sponsor to the event in 2012, will make 360Life policies available to every one of the 4 500 riders across the three-day Race (May 16 to 18), Adventure (May 15 to 18) and Trail (May 14 to 16) components.

According to Nedbank’s insurance executive Lance Blumeris, the policy included R500 000 worth of accidental death and physical impairment cover and would be valid for the month of May.

Blumeris said riders could activate the policy on the official race website and would also have the option to upgrade to R1 million worth of cover at a nominal once-off premium before May 13.

After the event, participants who wished to convert their cover to a standalone long-term policy could do so before the end of June without any underwriting, he said.

“Mountain biking is a very physically demanding and unpredictable sport. In partnering with the world’s largest paired stage race, we hope to give riders peace-of-mind so they can concentrate on enjoying the route,” said Blumeris.

Last year, two Trail riders were tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident as they were returning home to Johannesburg. Blumeris said Nedgroup Life had been able to assist their families by paying out the policies on these riders.

“We may not be able to take away the pain felt by a client’s loved ones but we can help in practical ways by providing cover for everything from death and disability to critical illness and income protection.”

He said the 360Life policy was designed to be flexible and to adapt to a client’s changing needs and circumstances.

According to race organiser Glen Haw, the policy was just another way in which the race and its sponsors provided a holistic experience for riders.

“Anything that’s good for our riders is good for the race. Looking after the total well-being of our participants and ensuring a safe and exciting experience for everyone is what the event is all about.”

Haw said initiatives such as this were a win-win situation for the organisers, sponsors and riders alike.

The 270km event, which is presented by Nedbank Private Wealth, traverses southern KwaZulu-Natal and finishes on Scottburgh’s main beach.

Visit www.sani2c.co.za for information about the race and www.nedgrouplife.co.za for details about the 360Life suite of benefits.

CAPTION: Riders participating in this year’s Nedbank sani2c will receive free 360Life life cover from the title sponsors.

via www.fullstopcom.com