KNYSNA NEWS - Timothy Hammond and Alan Gordon (Team Insect Science) were the first team home on the final stage of the Knysna Bull made personal by Constantia Insurance.
Although they were the first team home, it was solo rider Dylan Rebello, who trains mostly in the region as his parents live on Phantom Pass, who won the individual title.
The pair pipped Rebello to the post in a sprint finish to the Knysna Waterfront in a time of 2:30:12 on Sunday 25 February. Rebello, having crossed the line first on Stage 1 and 2, comfortably won the solo category, with Hammond and Gordon winners of the team category.
The final two stages of the four-day event (an evening prologue through Knysna set the tone) took place in tough and tiring muddy conditions, which most riders were happy with as they ride the Knysna Bull in preparation for the upcoming Absa Cape Epic.
Hammond and Gordon had the unique experience of chasing solo rider Rebello for three days, finally getting the better of him on Stage 3. “Dylan is in great shape. He’s going to be very strong at this year’s Epic.”
In the ladies solo category Theresa Ralph was dominant all weekend, while 2017 Cape Epic champion Jennie Stenerhag was in cruise control in the mixed category alongside partner Craig Gerber (Team Cape Brewing Company).
Eventual solo winner Dylan Rebello (middle) and team winners Alan Gordon and Timothy Hammond of Team Insect Science make their way higher into the Knysna forest. Photos: Supplied
Stenerhag was also in Knysna to test her racing legs. “It’s been a very good weekend of riding and racing,” said Stenerhag.
“The Knysna Bull is excellent preparation for the Cape Epic.
"The timing is right, plus you can ride really hard here but without destroying yourself completely. The route through the Knysna forest is very special.”
Organiser Pax Mosterd said the comments from racers and riders showed that the event was on the right track.
“We really want to put on a special event,” said Mosterd. “We have a great daily finish at the Knysna Waterfront, there are no tents, and generally it is a very relaxed atmosphere – but the racing is tough if you want it to be, or the riding is as relaxed as you want it to be.
Harkerville and the Knysna forest are beautiful locations, and to hear people raving about riding through the forest makes us very happy. We hope to see everyone back next year, and maybe some new faces too.”
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