2011 Nelson Mandela Bay Urban Run Champion, Tim Ellerbeck, proved that he is just as capable on a Mountain Bike as he is negotiating urban obstacles by foot when he partnered Graeme van der Nest to win last Saturdays Varsity College MTB Relay Challenge held at the Willows Resort.
Ellerbeck and van der Nest teamed up to win the 3hr relay challenge, completing a total distance of 70km to hold off a strong challenge from juniors Matthew Hayter and Sebastian Venter who finished just under 4 minutes off the winners pace. Third place went to Tony Thorburn and Billy Teeton who completed 65km’s in the time period, just 3 minutes ahead of defending champion Johan Britz and Protea’s cricket star Johan Botha.
“In near perfect weather, the cyclists enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Willows Resort tackling a fun yet challenging 5km lap through this Metro jewel.” said Race organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports. “The event was televised for Super Sport coverage later in December and should ensure a great boost for sports tourism within our city.”
Annelize Ferreira and Hedwig Alles won the Ladies Team Category with Lindy Nel, Andrew Whitewood and Gavin Strydom winning the Mixed Team Category. The 2nd placed team of Hayter and Venter won the Junior trophy.
Proceeds from the event went to the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) with Ellerbeck and van der Nest donating R1,000, Hayter and Venter donating R500 as did Thorburn and Teeton.
Earlier in the day, children under the age of 12 years old had great fun as they too got to experience the thrill of Mountain Bike racing. The 6 and under age group did a 1km race with some 6 year olds like Jodi Wilson, Rachel Ferreira and the boys trio of Harry Edwards, Raphael Berg and James Taylor. Credited with the win for the 6yrs and under race were Jordan Cole and Troy Renison whilst Hannah Ferreira and Tyler Renison were given second place. In the 2.5km boys race it was 6-year old’s Edwards, Berg and Taylor who took the top 3 positions whilst in the girls is was 8 year old Gabi Stables from Claudia Zoetmulder and Ferreira. In the 5km MTB ride boys category it was Kyle de Lange, Tristan Zoetmulder and Owen Andrews who were the first across the line whilst in the girls category it was 9 year olds Kayla and Monique Ferreira who finished first and second respectively.
Results:
- Tim Ellerbeck / Graeme Van Der Nest (70km),
- Matthew Hayter / Sebastian Venter (70km),
- Tony Thorburn / Billy Teeton (65km),
- Johan Britz / Johan Botha (65km),
- Tinus Sonnekus / Jaco Fick (55km),
- Cronje Robert / Angus Teeton (55km),
- Annelize Ferreira / Hedwig Alles (55km),
- Seath Scowby / Chris Fourie / Damien Giuliera (50km),
- Andy Dealtry / David Kolm (50km),
- Karl Botha / Warren Currie (45km),
- Lindy Nel / Andrew Whitewood / Gavin Strydom (40km),
- Gareth Andrews / Owen Andrews / Jean McGahey (40km),
- Mark Cooper / Carol Cooper (35km),
- Carlijn Vanger / Rosalie Lagrouw / Jikke Flapper (35km)
Varsity College MTB Relay Challenge Winners – Graeme van der Nest and Tim Ellerbeck
Mixed Team winners – Team News Cafe: Gavin Strydom, Lindy Nel, Sandy Zoetmulder team sponsor from News Cafe, and Andrew Whitewood.
Visiting Dutch students: Jikke Flapper, Carlijn Vanger and Rosalie Lagrouw enjoyed taking part in Saturday’s MTB event.
