The Ellsworth-ASG outfit of Pieter Seyffert and Travis Walker continued their domination of the TransCape mountain bike race by winning the final stage to confirm their overall triumph today.
It was the perfect start for the new pro outfit, who rode together for the first time when they lined up in Knysna last Sunday for the seven-day, 690km race to Franschhoek in the Western Cape.
The Ellsworth-ASG outfit of Travis Walker (left) and Pieter Seyffert toast a new partnership after winning the men’s team title in the TransCape mountain bike race following the final 78.5km stage from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek. The seven-day, 690km journey, which started in Knysna, ended at the La Couronne Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Photo: Jacques Marais
They were followed in the general classification by the Belgian team of Eddy Feliers and Kristof de Neys (Cicero Baik), with David and William Wertheim Aymes (Bromance) completing the podium.
Walker described the final stage route of 78.5km from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek as a real test, due largely to the famous Groenlandberg climb.
“There are lots of rocks and sand so that makes it a hard climb,” said the 25-year-old from Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal. “But once you get to the top the views are amazing so it is worth the effort.”
Walker said the TransCape had been a wonderful start to his partnership with Seyffert.
“We used this race so Pieter and I could get to know each other, as well as to prepare for races such as next month’s Bestmed Tour of Good Hope.
“It was a great start and I think as the year goes on Pieter and I will go from strength to strength.”
He said his favourite memory of the week was the fifth stage on Thursday when the pair, who had built up a comfortable lead, rode with the peloton.
“As a professional, for me to ride with these guys and to see their determination and passion for cycling was an eye-opener.”
The 30-year-old Seyffert from Helderkruin on the West Rand said there had been some challenging times up the Groenlandberg and Franschhoek Pass climbs, due to the terrain.
Volvo’s Michelle Naude joins the Spar team of Hannele Steyn (left) and Catherine Williamson (right) to celebrate their victory in the mixed category of the TransCape mountain bike race after the final 78.5km stage from Villiersdorp to Franschhoek.The seven-day, 690km journey, which started in Knysna, ended at the La Couronne Wine Estate. Photo: Jacques Marais
“But Franschhoek is one of my favourite climbs, being gradual and steady, and then there is the awesome finish at La Couronne Wine Estate where we were treated to champagne.”
Seyffert said he was excited about the partnership with Walker.
“He’s unbelievably talented and a very nice guy. I only started training in January and I believe once I’m in good shape we will really do well together.”
He said the moments that stood out for him were the evening functions, which exemplified the spirit of the tour.
“These are the heart of the race where everyone shares their war stories.
“That really sticks in my mind – having the chance to mingle with everyone and to talk with them about the highs and lows.”
The Spar team of Catherine Williamson, from north Yorkshire in Britain, and Cape Town’s Hannele Steyn rode to first place on the podium after opting the compete inthe mixed category.
Ian and Jane Seggie filled second spot with Matthias and Denise Kubli placing third.
The 34-year-old Williamson said the race had been tougher than expected but it was “brilliant training for the rest of the year”.
“This is a perfect season-opener for me when there’s not too much pressure and the legs are in winter mode.”
The 51-year-old Steyn, from Durbanville, paid tribute to the race organisers from ASG Events, whom she described as “being from a different world”.
“You know, each race has something which makes it special and in this race the organisation is incredible. They are always there to help you and nothing is too much for them to do.”
Defending champion Billy Stelling retained his men’s title after winning his sixth stage in row, with Karl Dossche of Belgium finishing second and Alan Tilling third.
Alma Colyn came home first in all seven stages to win the women’s solo category, ahead of Chandre Wertheim Aymes.