The rain held off during the ride and allowed both the 30km and the 60km riders to enjoy the breath taking scenery of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), and the magnificent, albeit wet route prepared by Garden Route Events especially for the participants.
This was the second edition of this local event. The inclusion of an all new 30km two-day stage race allowed many novice riders the opportunity to enter the world of stage racing, while the 60km two-day stage race afforded fitter and more experienced riders the opportunity of a 'decent training ride' and perfectly timed for those in training for the famous Sani2c event being held in May.
The event was especially well supported by local development teams from the Knysna Sport School, Kwano Acadamy riders from Plett, and the Tsiba College riders.
The male category of the two stage 60km event - aptly named the elephant race due to recent elephant sightings in the area - was won by Kobus Barnard with a total riding time of 5 hours 30minutes. William Wertheim-Aymes was in second place and in third place was Clinton Halsey. The ladies elephant category podium saw Fienie Barnard in first place, and local legend and world triathlon champion, Hannele Steyn, in second place. Karin Botha of George took the third place on the ladies' podium, coming in only minutes ahead of husband and ex-Mr South Africa, Gerhard Botha.
The 30km two-day stage bushpigs race, was won by Dannah Mosterd of Kanaku Sports Academy in George and Aidan Connelly from Plett took the young male bushpigs podium first place.
The Knysna Sports School also hosted a 10km kiddies fun race which was enjoyed by many young aspirants.
Racing through the Garden Route National Park. Photo: Julie Anne Pragnall.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
