Riders to saddle up for ‘Spring Fling’
Jessop and Haw grab the Mandela Day MTB Dash titles
DURBAN Shongweni Club is holding the Spring Fling Eventing Show on September 2 and 3.
This exciting two-day cross-country event attracts horses and riders from around the country.
Eventing shows are the most gruelling because horse and rider have to compete in all three disciplines of dressage, showjumping and cross- country fence jumping, testing rider and horse commitment to each other and the disciplines.
With the prospect of these horses and riders descending on the club for this weekend, JULIAN Jessop and Bianca Haw gave themselves the perfect sendoff presents before heading to Australia to take part in the World Championships when they won the men’s and women’s titles respectively at the Mandela Day Marathon MTB Dash yesterday.
The 20-year-old Jessop could only celebrate his victory after crossing the line following a tight sprint win over Stuart Marais, but Haw was able to savour the win for the final few kilometres after she finally managed to get away from runner-up, junior Tiffany Keep.
The tough course prepared by Rio Olympic course designer Nick Floros came into play almost from the start for both the men’s and women’s race with the lead group forming quickly and it was soon apparent who the contenders were.
In the men’s race Jessop, Marais, Andrew Hill and Tyronne White formed the lead group but Jessop and Marais managed to get a small gap after the first section of singletrack. The two cross country specialists then used their explosive power on the short, steep hills sections to edge away from the marathon specialists.
As they approached the finish of the 42km race they had built a fourminute gap and were left to fight for the win. Marais almost made the decisive break with about 5km to go.
“The biggest gap between us was about ten metres when Stuart had a the show is sure to be competitive and exciting.
With 107 riders and horses, the event boasts the largest entries the Shongweni Club has had for an eventing show in the past 3 years.
More than 28 riders have entered the 60cm ‘baby’ classes, which is almost unheard of.
Situated in the picturesque setting of Shongweni, near Hillcrest, this also promises to be a fun weekend for the whole family. Organisers are expecting a large crowd at Shongweni Club.
For more information, contact Belinda Jelf at 082 909 1121. – Sport reporter small gap with about five kilometres to go,” said an elated Jessop after crossing the line.
“It was important for me to have a good race today as I prepare for the World Championships in two weeks time. It was a cross country type track so it was great preparation. You only really know how well your training has gone through a result of some sort. I have been training hard so the main win for me today was that I was able to push myself, but the result was also important for my mindset. After this I am now positive and so it is an extra boost before I leave.”
In the women’s race the initial climb also allowed Haw and Keep to use their cross country power to get away from the steady speed of Jeannie Dreyer. “The first climb was pretty steep and our legs were cold,” said Haw after receiving the trophy, a replica of the Mandela Capture Site artwork. “Tiff and I worked together well and then about ten kilometres out we saw Jeannie coming back so I had to go and I got away from Tiffany.
“With the Worlds coming up this was my last hard week and winning is a good confidence booster before I get to the world’s – hopefully my legs recover,” she smiled.
In the 21km event Scelo Mhlongo was a clear winner when he beat Daniel van der Watt by just over two minutes with Nkululeko Pewa third.
The women’s race was a big win for Chloe Bateson who was 11 minutes ahead of Kelly Simkiss.