A seven-year-old cycled the whole 35 kms in the St Francis Bay MTB Challenge at St Francis Links Estate on 27 November 2011.
The youngster, Carlo Coetzer, seemed to take it all his stride, completing the distance with ease. He received a special mention at prize giving from race organiser, Richard Arderne of Pam Golding Properties, St Francis Bay (one of the main business sponsors and the race organiser).
There were 537 entrants in this annual cycling race that attracts entrants from all over the Eastern Cape.The weather fortunately remained clear until the heavens opened at the end of the race. So prize giving was almost rained out – the prize giving ceremony had to be moved inside in a big hurry!
The NSRI received a donation of R2000 based on the number of entries. The NSRI were the marshals for the 15 km leg.
Another beneficiary of the day’s race was the Sea Vista Disney Creche that will benefit with R5700 collected from the race.
The hosts, St Francis Links Golf Estate’s team, handled the hordes of cyclists, family and friends with aplomb. The day’s success was mostly attributable to the Links staff and to to the main organiser of this popular event, Richard Arderne.
Results:
Roland Peacock won the men’s 35 kms race in 1 hr 36 min
Tanya Saunders won the ladies’ 35 km race.
Vanessa Lessing from PE won the ladies’ 70 km race.
Roger Pfeiffer of Wayne Pheiffer Cycles in PE was first the first man home in the Men’s 70km race in 2 hrs 15 min.
Twelve locals completed the 60 km race!
The 15km race was won by Joshua Leslie in 48 minutes.
The 5km fun ride was won by ten year old Michael Birch in only 13 minutes.
The first girl home was Rosie Loots (15:07),
Lindsay Peacock won the Commencal Bike lucky draw.
According to Arderne, ths third annual St Francis Bay MTB Challenge was a great success.
“The event saw a new record of 570 riders.” Arderne says. “There were no major injuries. Hardly anyone lost. There were few breakdowns. Plus there was excellent food, good marshalling, registration and timing.
“I would like to wish the new St Francis Cycling Club all the best for organising of next year’s challenge. After three years, I have decided it is time for fresh ideas to take the race to the next level.
“It is already the third biggest MTB race in theEast Cape, after the Herald and the Addo. I think in a few years’ time it could be the biggest. From what some cyclist had to say, it already is the best!
“Anyone who wants a T-shirt, let me know. We have a few left tel: 083 284 0168 “
Some of the many cyclists passing through Cape St Francis ..
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