Cyclists unwind at serene, summery STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure

Idyllic weather, a spectacular setting, pristine views and a magical festive season atmosphere complimented the red-hot action that the record field enjoyed out on the trails as the 2016 STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure on Sunday, 4 December at Summerveld Estate in Shongweni made for a memorable day for all in attendance.

TIB Insurance’s Andrew Hill surged to his fourth victory in five years in the 40km MTB race of the STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure on Sunday, 4 December at Summerveld Estate, Shongweni. Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media

Up front, Andrew Hill and Debrah Thomas together with Nomore Mandivengerei and Zoe Papadakis claimed the men’s and women’s titles in the event’s feature races, the 40km mountain bike race and 18km trail run, respectively while further back in the field it was smiles aplenty.

Having won the event’s first three MTB titles from 2012-2014, TIB Insurance’s Hill of Hillcrest overcame the off-season challenges to make clinch his fourth crown in five years in his own back yard.

“Today was one of those days where everything was just perfect!” enthused Hill afterwards. “I think going from base training to high intensity race mode meant the body experienced a bit of shock but otherwise it was just such a wonderful ride and a great event!”

“Conditions were just perfect regardless of whether you where cycling or running, STIHL were great sponsors, the farmers market and live music made for such a special atmosphere and it was great to be able to ride some local trails.

“It’s no wonder that many guys – and girls for that matter – are seen enjoying a couple of beers in the shade of the beautiful trees after their races, because that what this time of year is all about – embracing the chilled, relaxed environment that is created here at the Sharks Trail Adventure where everyone is able to start enjoying some December down time!”

Hill charged home ahead of Computershare Change a Life Academy’s ecstatic Mboneni Ngcobo while fittingly former Sharks rugby player, Jeremy Thomson (Thule/PYGA Industries) raced home to finish on the bottom step of the podium.

The women’s race – void of many of the province’s top elite racers – saw some of KZN’s hardy annuals enjoy their share of the limelight as Debrah Thomas finished nearly five minutes ahead of Linda Maphanga and Linda Potts.

Debrah Thomas claimed the women’s title of the 40km MTB race at the STIHL Sharks Trail Adventure. Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media

In the 20km MTB clash, emerging talents Nkululeko Pewa raced home ahead of Mntomuhle Mgeyane and Nicholas de Bruin in the men’s contest while young stars Sarah Ryan, Hannah Elliott and Riley Smith made it a one-two-three for ROAG Racing.

The day’s busy programme also included a 10km and 2km Kiddies Ride while local artist Cheryl Engel’s acoustic melodies had spectators and race finishers foot-tapping and head-bopping throughout the morning and the Cell C Sharks’ squad manned the water tables, handed out finishers’ medals and posed for photographs with adoring fans.

More information can be found at www.sharkstrailadventure.co.za.