Dan Loubser and Nicolette Griffioen delivered commanding performances to claim the men’s and women’s titles at the 2026 Luxliner Route 66 gravel stage race in Magaliesburg this past weekend. The two-day event formed Round 2 of the Stellantis Adventure Series and attracted more than 300 riders despite challenging weather conditions.
Fresh off her emphatic win at Round 1, The Grind, Griffioen once again proved untouchable in the women’s race. The event featured an undulating 75km opening stage followed by a flatter, faster 80km second stage — but terrain and conditions made little difference to her dominance.
Saturday’s racing unfolded in warm conditions with a greater proportion of road sections, while Sunday brought rain, mud and heavier gravel sectors. Griffioen mastered both, winning each stage by significant margins to secure the overall title, the R10 000 winner’s cheque and maximum series points. Amore Ludik finished second overall, with Euodia Swart completing the podium.
“It’s been a great weekend. We have had a little bit of everything,” said Griffioen. “Yesterday was quite warm with more road and today was raining, muddy and a lot more gravel. It’s been good to come out to race and learn more about this Magaliesburg area.”
The men’s field, bolstered by greater depth, produced a tighter contest. With Round 1 winner Philip Buys absent, Loubser started as the pre-race favourite — and delivered accordingly.
He stamped his authority on Stage 1, setting a blistering pace to finish eight minutes ahead of Alwyn Steenkamp, who lost valuable time after taking a wrong turn. Rising star Jayden Naudé rounded out the top three.
Sunday’s 80km stage saw Steenkamp match Loubser pedal stroke for pedal stroke in far tougher, rain-soaked conditions. However, the Capetonian made his decisive move on the final climb, opening a slender but decisive gap to take the stage win by 31 seconds. Behind them, Gareth Peers surged late to edge out Naudé for third on the day.
Loubser’s consistency across both stages secured him the overall Luxliner Route 66 title and the R10 000 first prize. Steenkamp claimed second overall, with Naudé finishing third. The victory also sees Loubser move into the overall lead of the Stellantis Adventure Series standings after two rounds.
“It’s super cool to have Stellantis supporting a local racing series,” said Loubser. “The races are all really well organised, a lot of fun and the routes are great. It’s so nice having a sponsor investing in the sport and supporting us athletes. I’m really grateful.”
Sunday also featured one-day race options over 80km, 60km and 45km distances. While the forecast rain mercifully held off on Saturday, it arrived in force on Sunday, adding an extra layer of difficulty and adventure to the racing.
The Sunday rain created some behind-the-scenes havoc, which was efficiently managed by the organisers.
“The extreme conditions on Sunday posed an unexpected challenge. There was lightning as well as deep mud to contend with. We had to re-route a whole bunch of riders onto a safer route, which was a massive logistical challenge. Fortunately we have almost two decades of experience in these matters,” smiled Race Director, Rob Jackson of The Leverage Corporation.
The 45km event doubled as Round 2 of the Luxliner Schools MTB Series, with several schools continuing the inter-school competition that began at The Grind in late January.
“We got involved about seven years ago with a goal of getting more youngsters racing mountain bikes,” said Stephen Pitcher, CEO of Luxliner South Africa. “We created a schools challenge series and this year it will be held over five events, this being the second round.
“We are giving money back to the schools that commit to the series in the form of prizes. They don’t have to be a customer of Luxliner. Through our Luxliner Schools MTB Series, we believe that we will be able to get more youngsters outside and involved in mountain biking.”
Charl Timms, Commercial Director of Stellantis Middle East & Africa, praised the turnout and spirit of the event: “I think it’s great! We had more than 300 riders out here despite the rain. It’s amazing to see the gees of the participants and the event.”
Round 3 of the Stellantis Adventure Series takes place at Magalies Rocks the Cradle on Saturday, 5 September 2026, as the series momentum continues to build. To find out more, or to enter, click here: https://leveragecorporation.co.za/stellantis-adventure-series/
Luxliner Route 66 Leading Results Two-Day:
MEN
1 Dan Loubser 05:00:29
2 Alywn Steenkamp 05:09:11
3 Jayden Naude 05:25:32
4 Salaelo Hlako 05:31:22
5 William Majapholo 05:31:32
6 Gareth Peers 05:35:27
7 Tyron Kleinsmidt 05:36:55
8 Mahlatse Ubisi 05:42:20
9 Jaryd Browne 05:48:17
10 Zander Muller 05:50:30
WOMEN
1 Nicolette Griffioen 06:18:13
2 Amore Ludik 06:57:26
3 Euodia Swart 07:0726
4 Omogolo Ngakudi 0714:24
5 Tsholofelo Nkosi 07:23:00
6 Bontle Phepiso 07:23:02
7 Ntokozo Mokoena 08:56:08
See full results for all Luxliner Route 66 events here: https://results.finishtime.co.za/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=5674&EId=31&dt=0
Stellantis Adventure Series 2026
Leading riders after two rounds:
MEN
1 Dan Loubser 45 points
2 Alwyn Steenkamp 38
3 Jayden Naude 26
4 Philip Buys 25
5 Gontse Lethokwe Motswana 15
5 Selaelo Hlako 15
7 Kyle Brummer 12
7 William Majapholo 12
9 Mitchel Vosloo 10
9 Gareth Peers 10
11 Michael Pruett 6
11 Mahlatse Ubisi 6
13 Hannes Pretorius 4
13 Jaryd Browne 4
15 Willie van Eck 2
15 Zander Muller 2
WOMEN
1 Nicolette Griffioen 50 points
2 Jules Cass 20
2 Amore Ludik 20
4 Michelle Andrew 18
4 Euodia Swart 18
6 Leonora Changuion 15
6 Omogolo Ngakudi 15
8 Nicky Booyens 12
8 Tsholofelo Nkosi 12
10 Natalie Madies 10
10 Bontle Phepiso 10
12 Donna Winter 8
12 Ntokozo Mokoena 8
Luxliner Schools MTB Series
Leading schools after two rounds (provisional):
1 Hoerskool Kempton Park 323 points
2 St Stithians College 97
3 Hoerskool Oos-Moot 63
4 Hoerskool Dirk Postma 40
5 Hoerskool Waterkloof 30
6 HS Driehoek 29
7 Alma International School 27
8 Curro Schools 24
9 Hoerskook Monument 15
10 Meridian Cosmo City 14
