Top riders ace Knysna mountainbike race

NICO Pfitzenmaier and Robyn de Groot demonstrated their technical skills on the wet and slippery trails through the Harkerville forest yesterday, en route to the overall solo titles in the three-day RECM Knysna 200.

Former Masters world cross-country champion, Pfitzenmaier (Dorma), also showed good sportsmanship when runner-up Dylan Rebello (Jeep) slipped in the finishing straight of the 58km final stage at Thesen Harbour Town.

The Cape Town-based rider waited for his local rival to right himself before the two crossed the line together to give Pfitzenmaier his second stage win.

“Each of the three routes have been changed and improved from last year, so it’s good that the organisers keep things interesting and different,” he said.

Despite a puncture in the closing kilometres, Hanco Kachelhoffer and Colin Noel (Altech Autopage) took their third consecutive stage for a dominant overall victory in the team category.

Despite lingering health concerns, three-time South African marathon champion, De Groot (Ascendis Health), kept it together to secure an uncontested win in the women’s category.

“It’s the first time I’ve done this race but it’s definitely one to add to the calendar,” De Groot said.

The Merrell Ladies’ pairing of Nicola Giliomee and Marleen Lourens won the women’s team category, while their mixed teammates An- drea and Steven Shirley were not quite so lucky.

After two stage wins, the husband-and-wife team lost their overall lead on the final day, gifting SasolRacing’s Yolande and Henties de Villiers the mixed race title.

Guillamme Liebenberg won the R50 000 worth of unit trusts sponsored by RECM, R20 000 of which will be donated to the Knysna Sport School. Follow @recmknysna200, go to Garden Route Events on Facebook or visit www.recmknysna200.co.za