![\"ccs-58780-0-31877100-1480928669.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-31877100-1480928669.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>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<\/span><\/p>\nUp front, Andrew Hill and Debrah Thomas together with Nomore Mandivengerei and Zoe Papadakis claimed the men\u2019s and women\u2019s titles in the event\u2019s feature races, the 40km mountain bike race and 18km trail run, respectively while further back in the field it was smiles aplenty.<\/p>\n
Having won the event\u2019s first three MTB titles from 2012-2014, TIB Insurance\u2019s Hill of Hillcrest overcame the off-season challenges to make clinch his fourth crown in five years in his own back yard.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was one of those days where everything was just perfect!\u201d enthused Hill afterwards. \u201cI 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!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cConditions 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s no wonder that many guys \u2013 and girls for that matter \u2013 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 \u2013 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!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hill charged home ahead of Computershare Change a Life Academy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The women\u2019s race \u2013 void of many of the province\u2019s top elite racers \u2013 saw some of KZN\u2019s hardy annuals enjoy their share of the limelight as Debrah Thomas finished nearly five minutes ahead of Linda Maphanga and Linda Potts.<\/p>\n