Nearly 900 riders lined up on Saturday morning 23 May for the seventh edition of the Amarider 100 & 50Miler races in the Swartland. The 100Miler bunch was led out at sunrise in a neutral procession through the streets of Malmesbury, with load shedding not making much of an impact on the start of 07h30.
The 50Miler riders started at 09h00 from Deli-Co Butchery, Riebeeck Kasteel which is also the half way mark for the ultra marathon participants.
Overcast conditions made for some excellent riding although a few drops & icy breeze were daring to make things interesting in the early morning hours.
The 160km (100Miler) route is divided into three sections of approximately 55km with compulsory timing checkpoints which could be seen live on www.trailtag.co.za.
The format of the race creates perfect vantage points for spectators and support. The 100Miler riders have breakfast & lunch stops, while the 50Miler entrants could also enjoy good refreshment stations with fruit, Coke & snacks.
A big bunch of riders stayed together for until the first Enduren waterpoint at 25km and from there the bunch got progressively smaller until Chris Wolhuter attacked on one of the climbs that litter the final 25km of the route take the overall win of the with a time of 6 hours two minutes & 36 seconds. Andy Davies and Ednard Louw still had a sprint to the finish after a last ‘sting-in-the-tail’ climb to the finish at the Malmesbury Showgrounds.
Alma Colyn from Paarl was third in 2014, but took the win, placing an impressive 19th overall, from Lolita van Aardt with a riding time of 6 hours & 29 minutes.
In the 50Miler Charl-Pierre Esterhuyse (1st) and David Garrett had to race to the finish line with Jonty Adams on their tail. Nadia Visser was 11th overall and took the win in the ladies. Cut-offs are enforced in certain sections of the route, and the cut-off at the finish was 17h30.
While the competition is based on solo riders completing the entire course these riders can form 4-man teams and enjoy a day out with the mates. The team results are based on the 4th rider crossing the line thereby encouraging teamwork and camaraderie. Craft racing team won this catgegory.
According to Meurant Botha, director of Amarider, the 100 Miler was created to become a primary fundraiser for the organisation. Amarider is a recreational trails advocacy group focused on improving trail opportunities on the African continent and proceeds of the event are channeled directly to trail projects. Amarider is focused on improving trail construction standards around the country and assist various mountain bike clubs to ensure that their trails are safe and environmentally sustainable.
For further information email info@amarider.co.za or contact 021 884 4547.
