Kasha Claims Argus MTB

Written by the Cycle Tour Media Office

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 12:29

Kasha Kickie claimed a close gold over the experienced Michelle Lombardi in the weekend’s Cape Argus Pick n Pay Mountain Bike Challenge, which will be remembered for its unbearably hot conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 42'C on the 35km and 55km routes.

Brenda-Lynn Nell finished well ahead of runner-up Aneen Koch in the 35km event, while Emma Gordon beat Natalie Meyer to the tape in the 26km event, and Jess Struben scooped the winner’s medal ahead of sister Linda Struben, in the 13km dash.

Meurant Botha, Co-Organiser of the MTB Challenge, is very happy with how the revised format, which saw the event taking place over two days, worked out. "Saturday had a more laid-back family vibe, whilst Sunday was noticeably more competitive with some great racing. This is exactly how we envisioned it."

Due to the extreme heat, the event doctor, Dr Basil Bonner from Medi-Clinic, enforced a cut-off on the 55km route at 10h30. "This was 90 minutes earlier than we had originally planned. Our first priority at events of this nature is the safety and well-being of the participants. The extreme conditions necessitated the enforcement of the early cut-off."

Despite the heat wave, a record number of cyclists took part in this weekend's MTB Challenge, the country's biggest mountain biking event. "There's a wonderful atmosphere here at the Boschendal Wine Estate. Both days saw parents picnicking on the lawns while their offspring played in the Canal Walk kiddies zone. Our family-friendly set-up plays a large part in the event's phenomenal success," commented Botha.

Leading Women’s Race Results at the 2010 Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge:

55km

1. Kasha Dickie 2:55:41

2. Michelle Lombardi 2:56:39

35km

1. Brenda-Lynn Nell 2:13:46

2. Aneen Koch 2:25:19

26km

1. Emma Gordon 1:36:23

2. Natalie Meyer 1:39:22

13km

1. Jess Struben 48:11