{"id":19950,"date":"2013-05-23T20:40:54","date_gmt":"2013-05-23T18:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/pros-head-to-knysna-for-stage-race\/"},"modified":"2013-05-23T20:40:54","modified_gmt":"2013-05-23T18:40:54","slug":"pros-head-to-knysna-for-stage-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/pros-head-to-knysna-for-stage-race\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros head to Knysna for stage race"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t \"Some<\/a><\/p>\n

Some of the country\u2019s top mountain bikers will head a capacity field when the third edition of the RE:CM Knysna 200 mountain bike stage race rolls out on June 7.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s top pros will head a capacity field at the third RE:CM Knysna<\/a> 200 mountain bike race from June 7.<\/p>\n

The title sponsor\u2019s Waylon Woolcock and Lourens Luus, who finished second at the recent Old Mutual joBerg2c<\/a>, will be looking for a rematch with champion Brandon Stewart, who saddles up with solo category winner Kevin Evans under the FedGroup-Itec banner.<\/p>\n

Also in the mix at the three-day Garden Route race will be last year\u2019s runner-up Timo Cooper, riding alongside Germany\u2019s Nico Pfitzenmaier in the colours of Bridge.<\/p>\n

The women\u2019s race will feature the likes of 10-time Absa Cape Epic finisher Hannele Steyn and eight-time national road champion Anri\u00ebtte Schoeman, who made her off-road debut at last week\u2019s Nedbank sani2c<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The event will also be sporting celebrity firepower in the form of TV doctor Michael Mol<\/a>, ex-Springbok rugby player Victor Matfield<\/a> and two Olympic athletes \u2013 pole-vaulter Okkert Brits<\/a> and rower Matthew Brittain<\/a>, who was sixth at joBerg2c<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Okkert<\/a><\/p>\n

Okkert Brits (Photo credit: Wikipedia)<\/p>\n

According to race director Patric Mosterd of Garden Route Events, the 200km route through tough terrain was ideally suited to riders with moderate to advanced technical abilities and fitness.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a challenge for the average rider who works for a living but is passionate about getting out into the mountains.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s also perfect for the racing snakes to race from beginning to end.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mosterd said the race had grown by 40 percent from the previous year, forcing organisers to cap the field at 300 entries to ensure a premium experience for riders.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat means no queues, lots of personal attention and maximum rider enjoyment, which ensures a quality event for everyone, including our sponsors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 75km first stage, which includes 1 580m of ascent, starts at the Knysna Elephant Park and heads out towards Wittedrift before climbing up towards Protea Wilds Retreat.<\/p>\n

Mosterd said the leaders would probably have an opportunity to open a gap on the single track section at Petrus se Brand. \u201cOnly the best make it all the way to the top without pushing\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Bulls<\/a><\/p>\n

Bulls rugby player, Victor Matfield (Photo credit: Wikipedia)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe highlight of the day must be the 4km contour single track through the most beautiful section of indigenous forest on the Garden Route.\u201d<\/p>\n

Day two, which is 68km long and features 1 620m of climbing, begins at Rheenendal and takes in some of the area\u2019s historical attractions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first 28km of this stage includes 130-year-old Yellowwood trees, river crossings, the Outeniqua Hiking Trail, Millwood gold mines, great views and lots of elephant dung.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mosterd said the third and final 57km stage from the Harkerville Forestry Station wrapped up with the well-known Harkerville single track, before heading back to Knysna via the scenic Brackenhill Falls.<\/p>\n

Aside from podium prizes, riders stand to win R50 000 worth of RE:CM unit trusts, as well as other giveaways, in a raffle which benefits the Knysna Sports School.<\/p>\n

Visit www.recmknysna200.co.za<\/a>, like Garden Route Events on Facebook or follow @gardenroutelive.<\/p>\n

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