Page 45 - MTBSA JAN 2020

he legendary Barberton
XCM Mountain Bike race
took place on 25 January
Tand, as always did not
disappoint. This year Barberton
received some much needed rain
prior to race, which resulted in a
very fun, challenging and muddy
terrain. Entries for the 2020 race
increased by 20% and shows that
the popularity of this race keeps
growing – it’s a quality race,
good value for money and a real
achievement for riders complet-
ing it – well deserved bragging
rights and kudo’s.
The new 20km and 30km routes
made for loads of excitement
and were well received by
the riders. These two routes
gave riders the opportunity
to cycle through the exclusive
Greenstone Wildlife Estate
where they enjoyed incredible
scenery, tuff climbs and wildlife.
Nico Bell was successful in
defending his title for the 4
th
year, with Mariske Strauss taking
the win for the ladies Ultra
Marathon. This 110km route was
not just wet and slippery, but
challenging and oh so rewarding
with the views and lush green
surroundings. The race started
directly after the neutral zone
through town where Nico Bell,
Alan Gordon and Timo Cooper such as Mozambique, Swaziland, made indirectly.
started the chase to become the the UK and more attended Save the date for the next
King of the mountain – not an the race. The Barberton Rotary Barberton XCM which will be
easy job if we may add. would like to extend their our 25 race – and we are going
th
Riders of all shapes and sizes, appreciation for the support, to raise the bar in more than
fitness levels and different not only from their sponsors, one aspect. The race will take
walks of life enjoyed the race. especially their title sponsor, place on 30 January 2021 –
Nothing brings people together the Mopani Pharmacy, but to who knows what surprises we
quite like sport. The comradery each and every rider and family might add…. Keep an eye on our
is contagious and all of a member who had to make Facebook page to stay updated
sudden riders had something in sacrifices to participate. Your BarbertonXCM
common, they suffered together support goes a long way, we Race results and photos are
and achieved their personal cannot thank you enough. Our available on our Facebook page
goals together. community is dependant on our and at www.barbertonxcm.
Riders from various countries donations – the donations you co.za

44 | MTBSA | BARBERTON XCM MTB RACE BARBERTON XCM MTB RACE | MTBSA | 45