RACE REPORT

Saturday 26th May.

The City of Mountain Biking – Pietermaritzburg, discovered another hidden gem as the virgin trails of Intaba Ridge were revealed at the inaugural Intaba Ridge MTB Classic and Trail Runs.

Shaun Peshl blistered through the 40km course in a time of one hour, thirty-one minutes and 57 seconds to take the win ahead of a strong challenge from Warren Price and Craig Stone. Jackie Moore took a clean win of the women’s race in one hour, forty-seven minutes and 41 seconds. Julia Colvin placed second ahead of Carol Reeves.

Multisporter Gareth Harrington claimed the 20km MTB race, having placed second in the 12km trail run earlier in the day. John Densham was second man home with Tracey Wood showing up the men in third place overall.

Racing was intense in the 10km MTB ride amongst the Nippers with Connor Holdsworth taking the win ahead of Ryan Wilde and Seth Price. Terri Eayrs was the first women home.

The 12km and 6km Trail Runs were treated to a spectacular African bushveld sunrise as they took off to a fresh start at 7am. Respected triathlete Donovan van Gelder paced it out with Harrington to take the win with Carl Folscher third. Top SA Junior 800m track runner Gena Lofstrand made light work of winning the 6km Trail Run.

Proceeds raised from the event will go towards re-introducing Oribi to Intaba Ridge through the Endangered Wildlife Trust. This indicator species was found in the area in abundance but numbers have gradually dwindled. Intaba Ridge have taken the initiative to bring them back into this beautiful area which will add huge intrinsic value to both the residents of Intaba Ridge and those who will enjoy mountain biking and running through the estate.

Mountain bikers will be excited to hear that Intaba Ridge will host a weekly ‘open trail’ on a Wednesday afternoon for those looking for some training in a safe, secure and scenic environment.