Dr Evil reveals his nicer side in Garden Route stage race
The Garden Route lived up to its reputation as one of South Africa’s most scenic mountain biking destinations this week as riders from across the country took on the breathtaking routes of the third Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic.
Just shy of 300 mountain bikers – from weekend warriors to serious riders – flocked to the sleepy village of Wittedrift just outside Plettenberg Bay for the three-stage race which started on Thursday (September 18) and finished on Saturday (September 20).
The routes, which ranged between 50km and 80km, were created by master route designer Leon “Dr Evil” Evans who is well-known for his gruelling Absa Cape Epic course.
Although his nickname instils dread in most riders, Evans showed his kinder side to Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic participants with routes aimed at the fun rider.
“My reputation as Dr Evil only stretches as far as the Absa Cape Epic is concerned. For everything else I am actually Dr Nice,” Evans quipped.
He added that the event was designed for the average rider and although the routes – a combination of singletrack, scenic district roads and forest trails – did not differ dramatically from last year’s, he did endeavour to make it slightly easier without compromising the challenge.
This balanced mix was also one of the reasons the event, which followed a cloverleaf format from the Wittedrift High School, sold out a month ahead of the race and showed a 20% growth in the number of riders this year.
But for the top riders the race was just as much about making good time than it was about enjoying the scenery and Dr Evil’s pleasant routes.
One of the country’s top mountain bikers and Plettenberg Bay local Kevin Evans powered through the three-stages with a total time of 07:57:40 to take victory in the men’s category. He crossed the finish line first in stages one and three. Close on his heels was Derrin Smith, who won stage two, and managed a total time of 08:00:50 to clinch second while Marc Kerr took the final spot on the podium with a time of 08:12:15.
The women’s category was dominated by experienced rider Michelle Lombardi who took all three stage victories and managed an overall time of 09:39:35, more than 20 minutes ahead of her closest rival Wielie Frick who ended in second place with a total time of 10:03:41. Caren Mills finished in third with a time of 10:17:42.
Full results will be available on www.drevilclassic.com
The event also served as a warm-up for many riders ahead of Sunday’s (September 21) Pennypinchers Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge as 70% of the Dr Evil Classic field will be participating in the event which will see cyclists traverse the Prince Alfred’s Pass from Uniondale before reaching Knysna via Kom se Pad, Simola and Salt River Road.
The Pennypinchers Dr Evil Classic is also not only about mountain biking, but various organisations including the Plett Rotary Club, Plett Animal Welfare Society, CANSA and the Wittedrift High School will benefit from this year’s event.