Press Release: Academy members on the box, from National XCO to stage racing to one day classics.

Last weekend the ASG Academy members performed in a variety of mountain bike racing disciplines across the country.
The National XCO series #2 took place in Cascades, Pietermaritzburg. The course was significantly different to the one built for African Champs a month ago; providing riders with new challenges. This time around, the course was dry which made for very fast and exciting racing!
In the Elite men’s race, Arno du Toit finished fourth overall and third U23. The Sub Vet men’s race,

Paul Cordes came second in the Sub Vet category, it was an exciting battle between him and Jan Withaar! They were neck and neck for their five laps, but in the end it was Jan Withaar to took the victory by a mere 4 seconds.

In the Junior men’s race, Nicholas Popich came 3^rd against a strong and experienced field. This would be an admirable result under normal conditions, but considering this was the youngster’s   first national XCO race on a course far beyond his experience, it is a milestone. “My first Cross Country National. Proper opponents, a proper track, with proper obstacles, bringing you down properly! It was an amazing experience and an unforgettable weekend with my teammates.”

In the ladies race, Amy McDougall came fourth Pro Elite and second Elite Lady. “It was an amazing experience, the Pinarello floated through the course! I learned a lot, conquered the rock garden and a gap jump, there is still much work to be done, but I am looking forward to it.
Francois Ebersohn blitz his field in the Vets category winning by almost four minutes for the 5 lap race.

On the opposite end of the MTB racing spectrum, two Academy youngsters, Edwill O’Niell and Marcel Marais attempted their first stage race, the Lowveld Quest. It was a rocky road for them, per se, but despite this being a new experience and one of the hardest things they have done, they pushed through and came third overall and second senior men. A brilliant result and an experience that they will take with them as they move forward as aspiring athletes.

Another race in which the Academy was prominent was the Emperors Palace 40km MTB challenge that took place on Saturday. JP Joubert came second overall and was the first Junior home. Danielle Rheeder was the first Junior and came 8^th overall in the ladies race.

The Redstone MTB race took place on Sunday, where Academy member Tracey de Jonge took the overall ladies win in the 25km!

It is great to see enthusiastic Academy members from across the age and experience board excel in all types of races from cross country lap racing, to multi day stage racing.

Until next time,

Happy cycling