Incredible weekend for mountain bikers at the second Fairtree Simonsberg Contour stage race

After the devastating fire of January 2016, the inaugural Fairtree Simonsberg Contour MTB stage race overcame serious challenges and presented riders with a premier winelands riding experience. This past weekend of 4 & 5 February 2017, Fairtree Capital in collaboration with the Simonsberg Conservancy, landowners and Stellenbosch event organisers Dirtopia, presented riders with the 2nd edition of ‘The Fire Ride’ where riders got a chance to experience the recovering Simonsberg Conservancy.

Huge praise from riders for the routes and general atmosphere at the start finish situated from Delvera farm near Stellenbosch. And the racing was top class too!

Team Topeak-Ergon dominated the men category with Ariane Luthi the winner of the ladies race and Queen of the Mountain on day 1. Ester Suss raced hard for second place with a sprint finish on the second stage, but took the Queen of the Mountain on Sunday. And local girl Mari Rabie with a comfortable third spot overall.

Jeremiah Bishop took the overall mens win with Christopher Wolhuter in second place and Domnik Buksa taking third overall. The King of the mountain trophies went to Jeremiah on day one and Kristian Hynek on day two.

The first stage was a brand-new route and apart from various single-track sections around Klapmutskop, most of the routing was on farm roads and made for fast riding that started on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg between Klapmuts and Simondium.
Day2 brought more than 25km of singletrack that included Meurant Botha’s now famous ‘Never say never ending again’ trail that climbs to top of Simonsberg.

BOS Sport supported the refreshment stations as hydration and riders were also treated with snacks on route like fruit, meatballs, jellies and even sandwiches.

At the finish line facilities included showers, lunch, a free beer, massage servies, kiddies entertainment and on Sunday a trial bike show from Dylan Victor.

This coming weekend of 11 & 12 February will see the first Fairtree Simonsberg Contour Trail Run from Delvera with a choice of 12km or 25km routes. A fun 7km route on Sunday for runners that can only participate one day.

For full results, visit www.trailtag.co.za and more info on the event visit www.dirtopia.co.za
For queries, contact Dirtopia at info@dirtopia.co.za or 021 884 4752