Potchefstroom riders Pieter du Toit and Danielle Strydom proved that they have what it takes to #ConquerTheMonster at the 2022 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic that was hosted at the ATKV Buffelspoort on Saturday 04 June 2022 when they crossed the finish line first in impressive times of 02 hours 49 minutes 15 seconds and 03 hours 33 minutes 32 seconds respectively.
According to Du Toit (Imbuko Type DEV), it was a tough race. “It was a cold morning. Approximately 7km in we hit a water crossing, from there we had wet shoes and cold feet, but that’s part of the game and fun,” laughs Du Toit. “Then the iconic Monster Climb. Marc (Pritzen) had a gap on me so he took KOM (King of the Mountain), but I knew that if I could descend the downhill well, I could catch up to him. Unfortunately, Marc broke a shoe or something on the downhill so from there it was a solo race for me.
“The Fedhealth Magalies Monster is the toughest race here and every year I like to say that I ‘Conquered The Monster’. I enjoyed the downhill and the scenery the most. It’s always nice to ride through the farms and just enjoy the views. It means a lot to be crowned the winner today. Last year I finished second behind Philip (Buys). I would recommend this event to family and friends, but I would also recommend that they train a bit first before taking on The Monster.”
Shaun-Nick Bester came in second, while Jan Montshioa finished third in the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic Marathon.
“It was a chilly start to the morning, but it warmed up pretty quickly,” says Strydom (main photo). “I didn’t see any serious competition coming into today’s race. There were a few strong girls, but not my usual competitors so I knew I would be racing against myself, which is challenging in a different way. I really enjoyed the route. It’s very tough and rocky, but that’s what the event is notorious for. It is the Magalies Monster after all,” says the Imbuko Type DEV rider.
“I took it in my stride, paced myself and pushed myself. I really enjoyed the technical bits and appreciated the singletrack that they added this year, but the best part was winning. Everyone races to win so it’s always the goal, but it’s a different kind of rewarding feeling achieving it. It’s a morale boost.”
Rozaan Bekker came in second, while Estie Bekker finished third in the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic Marathon.
Clintin Cogzell (Pretoria) and Yvonne Prinsloo (Hartbeespoort) were the riders to beat in the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic Half Marathon. Cogzell crossed the finish line first in 01 hour 25 minutes 01 second, and Prinsloo in 01 hour 44 minutes 43 seconds.
“We started off close to the Buffelspoort Dam which was quite beautiful,” says Cogzell. “Two of us broke away within the first 6km and managed to stay together up until the mini ‘Monster Climb’ which was super steep, before a gnarly downhill, with a lot of loose rocks. If you had a hardtail, you really would struggle. I enjoyed the downhill, while the water crossings were really refreshing.
“I really enjoyed the route; the marking was fantastic, and the technical parts were just technical enough to be enjoyable. The event was very well organised, there were sufficient water points, the people were friendly and there were enough marshals on route. The finish line and the hospitality area are also winners at the end of the race so you can just chill and enjoy the atmosphere. This is the first time that I take part in the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic, so I’m just thankful to come out on top.”
Bertie Anderson came in second, while Allan Britnell finished third.
According to Prinsloo, the Event Organisers put in a lot of effort to ensure that the route is easier and safer for the recreational rider, the weekend warrior. “The route was well manicured for me,” says Prinsloo. “There were still the rough spots for the racing snakes, but it was nice to see that they changed it slightly so that the weekend warrior can also do it.
“I won last year, so I had to come back to do it again this year. I’ve been taking part for the past ten years. I actually took part in the very first Magalies Monster. Because the event is local, we always come out. I enjoyed that a lot of maintenance was done on the track, the marshals were great and there were no issues with markings. It’s a good feeling to win today because I have to work hard, I’m not a youngster anymore.”
Karla Grobler came in second, while Chanette Haasbroek finished third.
“On behalf of Fedhealth Medical Scheme, I’d like to thank each and every rider, young and not-so-young, who joined us at the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic today. It was really encouraging to see so many people out there exercising and having a good time out in the fresh air. We hope you achieved your goals for the race and that you’ll be back for more next year. Keep it up!” said Jeremy Yatt, Fedhealth Principal Officer.
Leading results
Marathon/+-65km:
OVERALL MEN
1 Pieter du Toit 02:49:15
2 Shaun-Nick Bester 02:56:14
3 Jan Montshioa 03:03:16
4 Justin Van Der Linde 03:05:32
5 Shawn Lawrence 03:05:36
6 Adriaan Mybrugh 03:06:39
7 Tlotlo Selala 03:07:17
8 Halalisani Ndebele 03:07:49
9 Alex Hennine 03:10:04
10 Masixole Zondani 03:11:03
OVERALL WOMEN
1 Danielle Strydom 03:33:32
2 Rozaan Bekker 03:52:56
3 Estie Bekker 03:52:56
4 Claire Malik 03:55:41
5 Alison Lingard 04:02:49
6 Ricci-Lee Brookstone 04:04:48
7 Naclanche Steyn 04:07:33
8 Denni Cartwright 04:09:47
9 Leandri Van Biljon 04:16:48
10 Lee Olivier 04:24:43
Half Marathon/+-35km:
OVERALL MEN
1 Clintin Cogzell 01:25:01
2 Bertie Anderson 01:29:24
3 Allan Britnell 01:29:26
4 Leandro Pieterse 01:35:18
5 Frans Berg 01:36:28
6 Anrich Barkhuizen 01:36:33
7 Stefan Van Den Heever 01:39:29
8 Darren Stroberg 01:39:33
9 Paul Vorster 01:43:33
10 Tyron Bothma 01:49:13
OVERALL WOMEN
1 Yvonne Prinsloo 01:44:43
2 Karla Grobler 01:57:21
3 Chanette Haasbroek 01:58:50
4 Christa Venter 02:06:09
5 No Data 02:06:14
6 Miquet Rossow 02:11:04
7 Tamlyn Norcott 02:15:09
8 Hannah Lansdell 02:17:21
9 Laurel Doman 02:18:14,
10 Elmie Van Staden 02:18:57
Fun Ride/+-16km:
OVERALL MEN
1 Tiaan Nel 00:50:13
2 Christopher Priem 00:51:30
3 Dirk Steenkamp 00:55:11
4 Francois Van Wyk 00:57:32
5 Dewan Versloot 00:58:02
6 Frans Naude 00:59:22
7 Eric Lilje Van Wyk 01:00:16
8 Mark Van Wyk 01:00:52
9 Paul Mamakoko 01:01:39
10 Flip Van Der Merwe 01:04:44
OVERALL WOMEN
1 Alicia Steenkamp 00:57:28
2 Ilze Grobler 01:07:45
3 Vanessa Beumer 01:13:57
4 Altemerie Breedt 01:14:34
5 Alex Davies 01:16:07
6 Cornelia Elizabeth De Villiers 01:16:19
7 Saskia Beheydt 01:21:06
8 Annchen Klaver 01:21:46
9 Isabelle Janse Van Rensburg 01:22:48
10 Adel Van Den Heever 01:22:48
Source: Newsport Media
