Pieter Seyffert and Travis Walker shrugged off soggy conditions to kick off their new partnership on a high note by winning the opening stage of the seven-day TransCape mountain bike race today.
The Ellsworth-ASG duo broke clear soon after the start to lead the way home on the tough 80km ride between Knysna and Wilderness in the Western Cape in 3:19:46.
Pieter Seyffert (left) and Travis Walker from Ellsworth-ASG set the pace on the opening stage of the seven-day TransCape mountain bike race that took riders over a distance of 80km from Knysna to Wilderness today. Photo: Jacques Marais
Belgians Eddy Feliers and Kristof de Neys (Cicero Baik) finished second in 3:42:42, followed by David and William Wertheim Aymes (Bromance) in third in 3:42:43.
Seyffert, from Helderkruin on the West Rand, said their buffer would allow them the luxury of not having to make the racing on tomorrow’s stage.
He said they were looking ahead to next month’s Bestmed Tour of Good Hope in the Cape Winelands and were happy with the day’s performance.
“This is our first race together and it will be a good test for us,” said the 30-year-old Seyffert.
“I have a feeling we will be pretty good together. We have had a great start and will build on that as we learn from each other.”
Walker, who had recently returned to SA after racing in Europe, said while overnight rain and drizzle during the stage made the route tricky at times, there was a positive side as well.
“The rain can be good and bad,” said the 25-year-old, who has settled in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal. “I don’t really mind the drizzle as I prefer it cooler than blazing hot.
“On the other hand, some of the parts were very muddy and if you are not too careful you can go around a corner and slide on rocks or roots.”
Women’s team Catherine Williamson and Hannele Steyn (Spar) finished in 3:42:44, crossing the line first in their section.
Hannele Steyn of Spar was delighted to lead the women’s category alongside Britain’s Catherine Williamson after the first stage of the seven-day TransCape mountain bike race that took riders over 80km from Knysna to Wilderness today. Photo: Jacques Marais
The 34-year-old Williamson from North Yorkshire in Britain said she was thrilled to be riding with a partner after competing in the solo category last year.
“When you ride solo, you have to go flat out and try to hang on to groups. It was great to ride with Hannele, who has so much experience and was always on my wheel.”
Belgian Karl Dossche found himself leading the men’s solo section in 3:51:23 after initially entering in the team category.
“Unfortunately my friend had to withdraw because of family reasons so I went ahead to ride solo,” he explained.
Despite taking a wrong turn and riding a bit further than expected, Alma Colyn leads the women’s solo category in a time of 3:56:10.
“It was an awesome route, even if it was wet and muddy,” she said.
“Unfortunately, I took my glasses off at one stage to tuck them in my top and when I looked up I realised I was going straight instead of turning into the forest.”
Colyn said she refused to panic.
“All you can do is just pray and hope you see another cyclist or a sign board. I was very grateful to get back on track to enjoy an amazing event.”
The second stage will take riders over a distance of 135km between George and Van Wyksdorp.
The 690km event finishes in Franschhoek on Saturday.