Big names gear up for JBay Wind Farm MTB Classic
LOCAL favourites and defending champions are set to pedal to the bitter end for the coveted JBay Wind Farm MTB Classic title on July 22.
The event runs from the Kabeljouws parking lot and will offer something for all mountain-bike skill and fitness levels, featuring a 25km fun ride, 50km half-marathon and 85km ultra.
The race carries the unique distinction of being the only one-day race in Africa to tra-verse a wind farm.
To battle it out on the 85km route is defending champion and RMB Change a Life rider, Ndumiso ‘Maza’ Dontso, who will be joined by teammate Luvuyo ‘Thando’ Siyasi who finished in the top 5 in 2016. However, Grahamstown-based Jason Meaton, who finished second in 2016, and Jason Reed from East London are bound to be a threat.
Another name to watch is Stellenbosch-based Max Sullivan. Whether on the road or dirt, the Maties paceman is always in the mix at the sharp-end.
The women’s field is shaping up to be another big battle with the entire 2016 85km podium in the hunt for the top step.
Defending champion, Yolande de Villiers, three-time winner, Anriëtte Schoeman and SanMarie Woithe all confirmed their participation.
The event – which forms part of the JBay Winterfest – will showcase some of the finest trails in the area and offers R50 000 worth of prizes – with a R10 000 first prize for both the male and female 85km ultra category winners.
While the 85km Ultra route is the mainstay of the event, there are also 50km and 25km routes, making it rides that should appeal to all levels of riders. This year’s Ultra will run on an entirely redesigned route.
Enter online at jbaymtbclassic.co.za. Online registration closes at midnight on Wednesday, July 19.
Late registrations will be accepted on Friday, July 21 at CycloPro in Port Elizabeth and on the day of the event at the Kabeljouws Lagoon Parking Area in Jeffreys Bay.