Erik Kleinhans and Johnny Kritzinger (Team Memory Foundation/New Heights), overall, and clear, winners on this first, 107-kilometre stage, in 4 hours and 36 minutes, were unstinting in their praise for the design of the course.

They revelled in the magic of the environment and particularly in the laid-back and sincere organisational structures of what must be the purest ‘African’ option for events of this genre. And, those optimistic stalwarts at the rear, who bring such heroic and heartening (even if hot and tired) enthusiasm to every race; the support was no less euphoric. For all, it was the exposure to such a pristine environment, and having the luxury of being able to enjoy it, that has set the pace for a ‘mission ride’ that is bound to establish itself as a pinnacle experience for anyone with this passion.

Second overall, about 13 minutes behind, were Squirt riders Cornelius Muller and evergreen Master Lieb Loots, followed a couple of minutes later by Donovan Jackson and Roan Exelby of team TREAD Magazine.

There were remarkable performances by another pair of Masters in Brian Strauss and Linus van Onselen of the Sludge team in 5.07.01 – eclipsed only by Johan Labuschagne and Yolande de Villiers of the Toyota Supercycling Mixed team, whose 4.56.09 put them fourth overall ahead of the highly rated international wizards of Specialized-Songo, the peerless Christoph Sauser and his manager Bobby Behan. (In his defence, the latter was crippled by the worst cramping of his athletic career – which he attributed largely to the insane travelling programme he has had to follow over the last few months). Like everyone else, Sauser was clearly enjoying himself rather than just going hell-for-leather in pursuit of glory.

The first Veterans were Paarl Pioneers Temlett Hockey and Anthony de Jager in 5.32.30 and Fienie Barnard and Esther Lategan were the Open Women’s winners in 5.27.56.

Monday's stage ended in Calitzdorp and will be staying in the Klein Karoo, heading over the Swartberg Mountains for Prince Albert, for a 90-kilometre second stage on Tuesday. The race ends on Saturday.

For more information and detailed results, visit http://www.capepioneer.co.za/







Source: Cape Pioneer Trek.

Photo credits:  Karin Schermbrucker / Slingshot Media