Junior mountain bikers shine at 2021 Fedhealth MTB Challenge!

Fedhealth MTB Challenge
Fedhealth MTB Challenge

The 6th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge got off to an action-packed start at the beautiful Blaauwklippen Wine Estate today, Saturday 11 September 2021.  Families and newcomers to the sport had the opportunity to join in on the fun by taking on the 15km Fun Ride, while junior mountain bikers got to test their skill at the Kids Event.

The Fedhealth MTB Challenge 15km Fun Ride featured a total climb of 250m.  An easy rideable route made this event ideal for newcomers to the sport.

Ryan Koorzen (12) from Bellville set a blistering pace in the men’s race crossing the finish line first in a time of 47 minutes 57 seconds.  “The race was very nice,” says Koorzen.  “I wanted to win today and wasn’t too worried about the competition.  I enjoyed the single track the most.  I’ll definitely come back to the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in 2022.”  Camryn Marais came in second, while Nathan Fatti finished third.

Eliz McIntyre’s finishing time of 01 hour 03 minutes 16 seconds secured her the top spot on the podium in the Women’s Race.  Jayde Oates came in second, while Sharyn Marais finished third.  According to Oates (Bloubergstrand) the 15km Fun Ride was awesome.  “The single track was really cool and there were fun sections through the trees.  It was great to be out, around people and on my bike just having fun.  This is the second time that I take part in the event.  I’ll definitely be back next year.”

A highlight on the SA mountain biking calendar, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Event catered for ages 1 – 13 with junior MTB enthusiasts choosing between a:  500m (0-5 years), 1.5km (6-9 years) and a 5km (10 – 13 years) event.

Andreas Mouton (4) from Durbanville had a great time in the 500m Kids Event.  “I’m first,” exclaimed a very happy Mouton.  “The event was fun.  I went fast.”

Alyssa Bosch (7) from Durbanville was the first female rider across the finish line in the 1.5km Kids Event.  “I’m super happy,” says Bosch.  “I’m very proud to come first.  I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Peyten Solomons (11) from Kylemore (Stellenbosch) was the rider to beat in the 5km Kids Event.  “This is the second time that I take part in the Fedhealth MTB Challenge.  It was a really nice event.  I wanted to come first.  My favourite part about mountain biking is the sprints.”

Says Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth Principal Officer: “We are delighted by the turnout at our Fedhealth MTB Challenge Kids Events. Aptly themed Ride Open Spaces, this year’s event was a celebration of being active in the fresh air once again, something that’s so important for kids as they grow into healthy, active adults. I could see young riders just having fun out there on the tracks at Blaauwklippen, and it made me smile. Hopefully we will have an even bigger field to welcome next year!”

NEXY UP2021 Fedhealth MTB Challenge

Sunday 12 September 2021

Venue:  Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
 
Event: +- 58km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon)
Time: 08:00
Entry Fee: R425.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)
 
Event: +-28km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon)
Time: 08:45
Entry Fee: R325.00 per rider (excludes CSA License)

FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!

EXCITING NEWS All entrants will receive an exclusive event t-shirt, a bottle of THIRSTI Isofit+ and medals will be awarded to all finishers!

Sensational SPONSOR PRIZES up for grabs will include:

«     a R30 000 Specialized Voucher to spend at any Specialize Store

«     THIRSTI prize hampers for the top three overall finishers (male and female) in the Marathon, Half Marathon and Fun Ride.

«      x5 Hampers compliments of RIALTO Foods

«     Beet It Sport Discount Voucher

PRIZE PURSE:  The 6th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge boasts a whopping R30 000 prize purse for the Marathon (+-58km).  The Overall Men’s and Women’s winners will each take home R5000, with R3000 going to second place and R2000 to third place.  A percentage of the prize purse will also be allocated to the top three finishers in the following categories:  Senior Men and Women, Sub Vet Men and Women, Vet Men and Women, Master Men and Women and Grandmaster Men and Women.  To view the Prize Purse Breakdown visit:  https://www.stillwatersports.com/fedhealth-mtb-challenge-prize-purse/

CHARITY SUPPORT The Fedhealth MTB Challenge proudly supports The Kindness Collaboration.  Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration focuses on supporting South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care.  Mountain bikers could make a donation towards the cause when entering the event online.  For more information or to make a direct donation towards The Kindness Collaboration visit https://www.fedhealth.co.za/kindness-collaboration/

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For more information or to enter the Fedhealth MTB Challenge, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email [email protected] or visit www.stillwatersports.com

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