North-West Province – Philip Buys and Sarah Hill conquered the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic on their first attempt at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Saturday 28 August 2021.
Celebrating its 18th anniversary on the day, mountain bikers could choose between the Marathon/+-65km,
Half Marathon/+-33km, Fun Ride/+-16km and a 2.5km Kids Event.
Philip Buys (Menlo Park, Pretoria) completed the Marathon/+-65km route in a lightning-fast time of 02 hours 49 minutes 02 seconds. “The route was quite rough. I really enjoyed it,” says Buys. “I’m used to this type of terrain. It’s loose and rocky, very similar to what we have in Pretoria. It was my first Magalies Monster, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun that rough downhill was. The weather was fine today. We had a little bit of rain on the far end of the route, but it didn’t affect the outcome of the race. If my schedule allows it, I’ll definitely be back next year.” Pieter du Toit came in 2nd, while Jan Withaar finished 3rd.
Sarah Hill (Bryanston, Gauteng) secured gold in the women’s race in a deserving time of 03 hours 31 minutes 11 seconds. According to Hill she wanted to see what all the hype was about. “Everyone talks so highly of this race. I was absolutely blown away. I’ve done Breedt’s Nek a couple of times, but I did not realise that there was more to it. I really enjoyed finding rhythm on the climbs and the downhills were absolutely phenomenal. It was rocky, technical, hard-packed, fast – everything you want, and it rained. My favourite part was the moment that I crested Breedt’s Nek and turned right to start descending. You have the most beautiful views of the North-West. It’s a great area for training and it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” Samantha Sanders came in 2nd, while Karlise Scheepers finished 3rd.
Lenre Coetzee (Klerksdorp) was on fire in the Half Marathon/+-33km securing victory in 01 hour 19 minutes 40 seconds. “I think I’ve done about four Magalies Monsters already,” says Coetzee. “Today’s route was definitely more technical. The wind was hectic, but at least at the end we conquered the Monster.” Ernie Roets came in 2nd, while Bertieemmett Anderson finished 3rd.
Yvonne Prinsloo (Hartbeespoort) was the strongest contender in the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 01 hour 43 minutes 40 seconds. “The race was great,” says Prinsloo. “The route was well marked. The up-hills were my favourite part of the route as well as any part where we caught the wind from behind. I’ve probably completed the Magalies Monster seven or eight times already, but this is my first short one. I’ll definitely be back.” Sasha-Lee Sauer came in 2nd, while Tshidi Ebudilwe finished 3rd.
Riaan van den Berg (Rustenburg) claimed the top spot on the podium in the Fun Ride/+-16km in 55 minutes 35 seconds. “The route was technical with a lot of ups and downs,” says Van den Berg. “It’s rough terrain. I trained for four days, it’s very little. I’ll definitely be back and will train for the 15km again.” Dirk Steenkamp came in 2nd, while Frans Naude finished 3rd.
Alicia Steenkamp (Hartbeespoort) was the first lady home in the women’s race in a time of 57 minutes 12 seconds. “The route was awesome,” says Steenkamp. “I loved the route, and I loved the challenge. The downhills and up-hills were awesome, and I loved going through the water. I’ll definitely be back next year for the Half Marathon.” Alet de Lange came in 2nd, while Lianne Zermatten finished 3rd.
Fedhealth Principal Officer Jeremy Yatt said: “We’ve just concluded the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic at ATKV Buffelspoort and what an event it’s been. Despite the restrictions due to COVID-19, we trust that all the MTB riders had a blast on some of the North West’s most spectacular routes. It was amazing to be out riding in the fresh air again and to celebrate health and fitness with all the participants. Thank you for joining us!”
The 2021 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic Marathon (+-65km) boasted a R30 000 prize purse. To view the Prize Purse Breakdown visit: https://www.stillwatersports.com/fedhealth-magalies-monster-platinum-trail-run-prize-purse/
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration. Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration fucuses on supporting South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care. Mountain bikers could make a donation towards the cause when entering the events online.
For more information or to make a direct donation towards The Kindness Collaboration visit https://www.fedhealth.co.za/kindness-collaboration/ For more information about Operation Healing Hands visit http://ohhsa.net/
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For more information on the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com.