Seweweekspoort MTB Race 2008

The Race started 20 km outside Ladysmith, follow the gravel road (long steady climb) into the Seweweekspoort circle around the dam, through a few cool water streams back towards the start and then follow approx 25 km through farms towards the highschool in town (Ladysmith) to form part of their annual cheese festival.

The weather was perfect for racing cool, for the fast finishers but getting up to 30/32degrees later. Dont let the picture of the start fool you on the narrow dirt road there were rows and rows of cyclists, i think the announcer said 600 al in all, and the figure increase substantially every year. It was good to see our countries top riders taking part, Kevin Evans David George, Vicus Boshoff Petrus Matthyse, Eric just to name a few. Kevin arrived well warmed up a few minutes before the start accompanied by the Coimbra Team, he was greeted by all and congratulated with their newborn..Ruby.

From here onwards Johan reported that the race started at a 100m sprint pace!! and that needless to sat that pace was maintained to the end !!

I think the steady long climb at that pace sorted the top 20 riders quickly into smaller groups. the first to cross the 50 km line was Kevin and David at a very fast pace, the next group of 3 Petrus, Eric and Stephan Straus (2 min) behind the 3rd Bunch of 5, about 5min behind the front.

Johan said the fact that he did not warm up properly "cost" him and it was difficult to keep up.

During the race he recovered, passed a few riders from the 50 km onwards and ended the 80km in a time of 2.54.29. 8th in cat and... 15th overall.

The organisers arranged to hand out the cyclists certificate as soon as one crossed the end line, quite a good idea i think!! We haven't been at the finish to see the results but will update as soon as available..
Results 1st Kevin Evans 2.37 2nd David George 3rd Stefan Straus
4th Petrus Malherbe 2.40 and 5th Erik Kleinhans