13 November 2022
Our 50 km MTB riders certainly drew the short straw weatherwise today!
The skies over the Steyn City polo fields were leaden, with rain pouring down and thunder clapping overhead. The organisers delayed the start of the race while deliberating on whether it would be safe to proceed.
Luckily, Virgin Active was there to keep everyone’s spirits high with entertaining interviews, activities and some lively music.
Pro riders, as well as brave weekend warriors, were anxiously awaiting the decision of the race organisers and safety personnel. Thankfully the weather cleared, and, at last, riders were allowed to set off on the spectacular trails of Steyn City, having been delayed by around 90 minutes.
The professional field battling for the win was exceptionally strong today and made for a super exciting race. Marc Pritzen, Phillip Buys, Pieter du Toit, Wessel Botha, and Michael Foster were all vying for the win! But, it was Michael Foster who took the title, with Wessel Botha in second place and Pieter du Toit claiming third.
The battle in the ladies’ race was no less fierce with the SA XCO champion, Candice Lill, the SA gravel bike champion, Hayley Preen, Kim le Court, Sam Sanders and Vera Looser, all hot candidates for the win today. And after a muddy showdown, Kim le Court pipped Candice Lill on the line, with Vera Looser placing third.
We were humbled by the turn-out of riders in less-than-ideal weather conditions to race today! You were the true heroes. Cold and wet conditions could not keep you down. Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg MTB 2022 will surely go down in the history books as the wettest edition of this iconic event. And you were a part of it!
Thank you, Virgin Active, 947 Radio, Steyn City and all our sponsors for making this day possible. Even a bad day on the bike beats a good day doing anything else!
We hope to see you on 20 November for the ROAD race. At least the sun will be shining…
