Stellenbosch was buzzing with excitement on Sunday, 25 November 2018 with eager mountain bikers and trail runners congregating at the Coetzenburg Sports Fields to either take part in Stage Two of the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience or be part of the action of the inaugural Origin Of Trails Trail Run.
Luca Ruwiel claimed his second consecutive stage victory in the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Short Route (+- 30km). “I took it slower today. The route was nice with lots of single track. I definitely enjoyed this stage the most.”
Ruwiel crossed the finish line in 01 hour 15 minutes 12 seconds. Juan Erasmus came in second, while Lachlan Mundie finished third.
The women’s Short Route (+-30km) was won by Lenetia Mundie in 01 hour 39 minutes 08 seconds. Jan van Wyngaarden came in second, while Nina du Plessis finished third.
The Origin Of Trails MTB Experience Long Route (+-55km) was once again dominated by Polish riders Marius Kozak, Piotr Brzozka and Wozciech Halejak.
“This was a very nice course,” says Kozak. “Both routes were nice to ride. Our sponsors, JBG2/Cryo Space brought us to South Africa for ten days to race. The people here are very nice. We had a good time and would definitely like to come back again next year.”
Kozak completed the Stage Two route in 02 hours 20 minutes 10 seconds. Piotr Brzozka came in second, while Wozciech Halejak finished third.
German mountain biker Laura Stark claimed gold in the women’s race in a time of 02 hours 34 minutes 40 seconds. “I loved the route,” said a very happy Stark. “The Origin Of Trails MTB Experience is my first South African MTB race. The event was really well organized. I enjoyed the family vibe. Our kids are with us, there’s face painting and the food is really good.”
Mari Rabie came in second, while Danielle Strydom finished third.
GC Results (Top 3): Stage One and Two combined
Short Route: Men
- Luca Ruwiel
- Lachlan Mundie
- Juan Erasmus
Short Route: Women
- Lenetia Mundie
- Nina du Plessis
- Michele Jennings
Long Route: Men
- Marius Kozak
- Piotr Brzozka
- Wozciech Halejak
Long Route: Women
- Laura Stark
- Danielle Strydom
- Mari Rabie
This year trail running enthusiasts could join in on the action of the Origin Of Trails MTB Experience by taking part in the first ever Origin Of Trails Trail Run (+-15km or +-6km) on Sunday.
Stellenbosch based runners, Louis Terblanche and Grace Sargeant claimed gold in the +-6km Origin Of Trails Trail Run.
“The route was nice,” says Terblanche. “There were a lot of ups and downs. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back next year.”
Terblanche completed the +-6km race in 34 minutes. Wil Neethling came in second, while Ruan Botha finished third.
“The trail run was fun, not the hills though,” laughs Sargeant. “I really enjoyed the down hills and will definitely take part next year again.”
Sargeant completed the +-6km race in 37 minutes 49 seconds. Kay Walsh came in second, while Danielle Zimny finished third.
The +-15km Origin Of Trails Trail Run titles were claimed by Chris Visser (Stellenbosch) and Georgia Grobler (Newlands).
“I train on these routes every day, it would be a bit of an oopsie if I didn’t take the win today,” laughs Visser. “The route was perfect. The marking was great and the flow was nice. It wasn’t too technical, but technical enough to keep you awake. It was really great.”
Visser completed the +-15km route in a time of 01 hour 05 minutes 33 seconds. Anele Mnukwa came in second, while Francois Groenewald finished third.
“My coach (Kobus Fourie) told me to enter the event as part of my training,” admits Grobler. “The stage was tough, but beautiful. There were a lot of hills.”
Grobler completed the +-15km route in 01 hour 10 minutes 10 seconds. Judith Trunschke came in second, while Suzette Vermaak Mcivor finished third.
EVENT INFORMATION: Origin Of Trails MTB Experience & Origin Of Trails Trail Run
An individual 2-day MTB Experience, the Origin Of Trails routes highlight the beauty and splendor of the City Of Oaks. Mountain bikers are granted the “once a year opportunity” to experience a vast network of world class trails.
Date: Saturday, 24 November 2018
| Venue: | Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch) |
| Event: | Stage One / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience |
| Distances: | Long Route / +- 55km |
| Short Route / +- 30km | |
| Fun Ride / +- 10km |
Date: Sunday, 25 November 2018
| Venue: | Coetzenburg Sports Fields (Stellenbosch) |
| Event: | Origin Of Trails Trail Run |
| Event: | Stage Two / Origin Of Trails MTB Experience |
| Distances: | Long Route / +- 55km |
| Short Route / +- 30km |
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Origin Of Trails proudly supports the Aitsa After Care Centre and the Stellenbosch Trail Building Fund. The Fund is committed to continuously developing the trails in Stellenbosch, further sealing the town’s reputation as a global mountain biking destination.
SPECIALIZED BIKE giveaway: One lucky Origin Of Trails MTB Experience rider took home an awesome Specialized Stumpjumper FSR ST to the value of R30 000.
FALKE Foot Zone: All entrants (runners and mountain bikers) were invited to visit the Falke Foot Zone once they’d crossed the finish line for a free Falke leg and foot massage.
LIVE MUSIC: BrotherBrother treated participants and spectators to a toe tapping performance after Stage One on Saturday, while Stone Jets closed off the action of the 6th annual Origin Of Trails MTB Experience on Sunday.
Like our Facebook page: Stillwater MTB Events
Follow us on Twitter: @OriginOfTrails
For more information on the Origin Of Trails Trail Run and/or Origin Of Trails MTB Experience please visit www.stillwatersports.com, contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045 or email [email protected]
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: Stillwater Sports