![\"ccs-41808-0-32682100-1395052631.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-41808-0-32682100-1395052631.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nImage credit: Zoon Cronje\/XtreMedia<\/span><\/p>\n The race was described as \u201cbrutal, toughest race I\u2019ve ever done, real mountain biking, unforgiving and really rough\u201d by some of the big names in the sport. The power and number of the Bulls team driving the tempo from the gun together with Konny Looser (Wheeler) from Switzerland that resulted in a group of five going clear containing only one South African namely Johann Rabie…<\/p>\n Looser (Wheeler) was one of the main aggressors and went on to claim the King of the Mountains prime at the 70km mark. Looser together with Topeak Ergon\u2019s Robert Mennen and the Team Bulls powerhouse combo of Urs Huber and Karl Platt continued to exchange blows over the remaining kilometers.<\/p>\n Platt was clearly on form and even after missing a marker and losing his minute lead he managed to fight through cramps and regain the lead. An elated Platt crossed the line first saying \u201cI badly wanted the win\u201d in what must be a massive confidence boost only a week out from starting the Cape Epic. Platt was followed home by Urs Huber who just managed to ride away from Robert Mennen in the last kilometer.<\/p>\n First South African across the line Erik Kleinhans (Team RECM) fought back valiantly from as far back as tenth position at the 70km mark to cross the line 4th. Konny Looser can only wonder what could have been after showing impressive form over the first two thirds of the race only to lose a bottle at a critical point and dehydrating in the unforgiving heat but still managed to roll over in 5th place utterly exhausted.<\/p>\n