![\"ccs-58780-0-74406600-1491991806.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-74406600-1491991806.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>Vera Adrian Leads Candice Lill and Robyn de Groot up the slick rock section during stage 1 of the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Clarens. Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za<\/span><\/p>\nThe Ascendis Health rider outsprinted her main rivals to win the 69km Stage 1 narrowly and then pedaled to a more convincing win on the 54km Stage 2 to secure the maximum points for the event and claim the Round 3 victory. Second place went to Team dormakaba\u2019s Candice Lill, with her Namibian teammate, Vera Adrian claiming third place.<\/p>\n
On Stage 1 a lead group of six riders formed after the first long climb comprising De Groot, Lill, Adrian, Theresa Ralph (Galileo Risk), Yolandi du Toit (Garmin) and Samantha Sanders (Valencia). Just before halfway on the main climb of the day, De Groot, Adrian, Lill and Sanders rode clear with Sanders dropping off higher up on the ascent.<\/p>\n
De Groot let the dormakaba pair set the pace to the finish and then outsprinted them to claim the victory in a time of 2:51:28. Lill was second and Adrian third.<\/p>\n
On Stage 2, Sanders was the primary aggressor, setting the pace on the early singletrack and ascents. But De Groot managed to get a solid lead up the main climb near the finish and stayed clear to win in a time of 2:21:05. Lill followed her home less than a minute and a half later in 2:22:28 with Adrian rounding out the podium another 45 seconds later.<\/p>\n \u201cI managed to ride clear of the others up the main climb near the end. I had a little tumble, which slowed me down and I lost a bit of my rhythm, but I managed to pick it up again and stay ahead until the finish,\u201d said De Groot after the finish of Stage 2.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trails were really nice today compared to yesterday. A lot more challenging with more singletrack and some beautiful views. It\u2019s been great to spend a weekend racing in Clarens,\u201d smiled De Groot.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two-day format makes the racing a lot more competitive and you have to plan well to ensure you are in contention for both days and the overall. It\u2019s a lot more exciting than the previous format,\u201d added De Groot.<\/p>\n \u201cRobyn went on one of the climbs near the end, which is what I was expecting. I was trying to stay within sight of her but just couldn\u2019t get any closer before the finish,\u201d said Lill.<\/p>\n \u201cRacing with Candice I have had to up my mountain bike game. I\u2019m very happy with my result. I enjoyed these two days because they were short and fast and the scenery here is just amazing,\u201d said Adrian.<\/p>\n<\/a>Candice Lill reaches the Porcupine Trail plateau as she makes her way onto the final stretch back into Clarens, during the second stage of the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series Clarens. Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>An Aerial view of Robyn de Groot as she leads the elite women, consisting of Candice Lill, Vera Adrian, Theresa Ralph and Samantha Sanders during Stage 2 of the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Clarens. Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za<\/span><\/p>\n