The first ever interprovincial Battle of the Bikes Cross Country Marathon (XCM) was truly a test of mettle.
During this event, riders followed a route through historical battle fields between Kimberley and Bloemfontein, with Free State (FS) riders announced as the interprovincial winners against Nor-thern Cape (NC).
Kobus Burger of Oryx Endurance and co-ordinator, said Northern Cape Cycling initiated the event, and said riders could look forward to another battle next year.
The event, held on 1 October, commenced from the Magersfontein Memorial Estate at Modder River.
Burger said events presented by Oryx Endurance are always family-oriented and provides an outdoor experience to the race-fit and professionals to challenge each other, but still caters for the masses who are enthusiastic, hobbyist riders.
In this XCM event, riders could enter for the 105 km, the 50 km, 23 km or 50 km e-bike event.
The focus is on endurance, and the level of mountain biking skills required, depend on the distance and terrain of each race.
The results of the Battle of the Bikes are as follows:
105 km male category:
1. Pieter Korkie (FS)
2. Jean Fourie (FS)
3. Daniel Kotzé (FS)
105 km female category:
1. Tania Visser (NC)
2. Helena van Niekerk
3. Angelique Nel
50 km male category:
1. Jean-Jacques Holtzhauzen (FS)
2. Jean-Jacques Koekemoer (FS)
3. Karlchen Rost (NC)
50 km female category:
1. Colleen Jacobs (NC)
2. Karin Erasmus (NC)
3. Zelna Krist (NC)
23 km male category:
1. Ludwig du Toit (FS)
2. Jumar du Plooy (FS)
3. Franco van Heerden (FS)
23 km female category:
1. Carli Bouwer (FS)
2. Nathasha Swart (FS)
3. Albertha Marais (FS)
50 km e-bike category:
1. Piet Nieuwenhuizen
2. Divan Nieuwenhuizen
3. Ignus Pretorius
Entries for the Matsa 100 Miler MTB Challenge on 25 March, stretching from Bloemfontein to Kimberley, open soon. Visit oryxendurance on Facebook for additional information.
