Mountain Bike SA

25/06/2025

The 2025 KAP sani2c nonstop was one for the books.

From 2am in Underberg to the finish line on Scottburgh beach, riders took on 256.9km of tough, beautiful, and often brutal trails—all in one go. No stages. No breaks. Just one long, incredible adventure.

🚴‍♂️ Team Toyota Specialized Melon Mobile – Travis Stedman and Warren Moolman – took the win in an impressive 11 hours 25 minutes, smashing the previous record by over 47 minutes. Riding through the night and into the sunrise, they kept the pace strong from start to finish.

They were followed by Team Benky Rides (Kevin Benkenstein & Tyronne White) in second, and Team Grit and Grind (Marc Adam & Paul Snyman) in third—both teams sharing stories of deep effort, good teamwork, and the unforgettable sunrise over the Umkomaas Valley.

What makes this race so unique is the format—teams supported by a driver who meets them at checkpoints with food, lights, and encouragement. It’s as much about the team around you as it is about the ride itself.

From fast finishes to riders pushing through for over 22 hours, this event is about grit, teamwork, and that unbeatable feeling of finishing something huge.

Massive respect to every team who made it to the beach. You’ve earned that sunrise and that medal.

📍 For full results and info: nonstop.sani2c.co.za
📸: Anthony Grote

10/05/2025

Champions Crowned at the Coast: Imbuko and Efficient Infiniti Seal the Win

It was a full-gas final push to the sea as the 2025 KAP sani2c wrapped up in dramatic fashion. After three days of high-paced racing, Marco Joubert and Tristan Nortje (Imbuko ChemChamp A) and Sam Sanders and Sarah Hill (Efficient Infiniti Racing) were crowned overall champions in emphatic style.

The men’s stage win went to Honeycomb 226ers’ Wessel Botha and Marc Pritzen, who launched a late attack to claim the stage in 02:41:58. But with a healthy lead on GC, Imbuko ChemChamp kept their cool, finishing just 21 seconds back to secure the overall win by more than three minutes. PYGA Euro Steel took third on the stage and sealed third on the GC after a costly crash ruled out a final-stage challenge.

In the women’s race, Sanders and Hill proved untouchable one last time. Despite a strong challenge from Cherise Willeit and Ila Stow (Toyota Fortress) and a brave effort from Bianca Haw and Danielle Du Toit (Safari Essence Titan Racing), the Efficient Infiniti duo turned up the pressure and powered home solo to win the stage and the GC.

Sanders summed it up: “Attack is the best defence. We tightened the screws, and just kept the pace high.”

Final General Classification – Top 3
Men
1. Imbuko ChemChamp A (Marco Joubert / Tristan Nortje) – 09:44:18
2. Honeycomb 226ers (Wessel Botha / Marc Pritzen) – 09:47:46
3. PYGA Euro Steel (Philip Buys / Michael Foster) – 09:51:03

Women
1. Efficient Infiniti Racing (Sam Sanders / Sarah Hill) – 12:13:21
2. Safari Essence Titan Racing (Bianca Haw / Danielle Du Toit) – 12:19:14
3. Toyota Fortress (Ila Stow / Cherise Willeit) – 12:30:53

10/05/2025

Another Big Day in the Valley: Imbuko and Efficient Infiniti Take Control

Jolivet Farm, 9 May 2025 — Stage 2 of the KAP sani2c delivered all the drama we expect from the Queen Stage: a 96 km route into and out of the legendary Umkomaas Valley, testing both legs and teamwork.

Imbuko ChemChamp’s Marco Joubert and Tristan Nortje timed their move perfectly on the final climbs, securing a second stage win in 03:20:54 and extending their overall lead to 3 minutes and 50 seconds. Honeycomb 226ers’ Marc Pritzen and Wessel Botha rode a gritty race to take second (03:22:03), while PYGA Euro Steel’s Philip Buys and Michael Foster rounded out the podium after an all-out battle in the final 10 km.

In the women’s race, Efficient Infiniti Racing’s Sam Sanders and Sarah Hill stormed into the lead with a commanding win in 04:15:08. A mid-race puncture set Bianca Haw and Danielle Du Toit back by over seven minutes, but the Safari Essence Titan Racing duo clawed their way back to second. Cherise Willeit and Ila Stow of Toyota Fortress held on for third after a tough day chasing and dealing with a sidewall cut.

With just one stage to go, Imbuko ChemChamp and Efficient Infiniti Racing hold narrow leads heading into the final push to Scottburgh. It’s still anyone’s race — and tomorrow, the sea awaits.

08/05/2025

Stage 1 of the KAP sani2c ‘OG’ delivered fast, fierce racing!

Imbuko ChemChamp’s Tristan Nortje & Marco Joubert claimed the men’s stage win, while Bianca Haw & Danielle Du Toit (Safari Essence Titan Racing) extended their lead in the women’s race.

Tough climbs, muddy trails and tactical moves saw Insect Science climb to 2nd overall, and Efficient Infiniti Racing hold on tight in the women’s GC.

Photos by Maryann Shaw & Anthony Grote
Full results & reports at www.sani2c.co.za

06/05/2025

In spirit of Sani2c kicking off today… we caught up with someone who knows those trails better than most. Bianca Haw grew up flying down them, and after seven years off the pro circuit, she’s back – with an Absa Cape Epic red jersey and unfinished business on the bike. Read her full story now.

After seven years off the pro MTB scene, Bianca Haw is back – with a Cape Epic African Jersey and a fire to race like never before.

02/05/2025

The winter edition of Mountain Bike mag is on shelves now!

From Luke Moir’s breakout World Cup podium in Brazil (and first-ever cover!) to riding the Rift Valley, exploring Kyrgyzstan, and taking on Morocco’s Atlas Mountains—this issue is packed with epic adventures, comeback stories, gear, trail guides, and more.

Find it at Woolies, Exclusive Books, Spar, PnP & top bike shops. Or read it digitally now 👉 https://www.bikeruntri.co.za/post/the-winter-edition-of-mountain-bike-mag-is-on-shelves-now

https://viewer.joomag.com/mtb-magazine-winter-2025/0741335001745865670

Dive into the winter edition of Mountain Bike mag, on shelves now.

23/04/2025

Two adventurers, one canyon, and a brand-new way to explore Europe’s wildest river. Ride, raft, repeat.

Don’t miss Through the Tear of Europe—an epic bikerafting journey into Montenegro’s Tara Gorge.

Full story + stunning images in the latest Autumn Mountain Bike Magazine

Two Austrians, bikes, packrafts—and Europe’s deepest gorge. Through the Tear of Europe chronicles a wild journey through Montenegro’s Tara Gorge, blending grit, beauty, and a brand-new way to explore.

23/03/2025

Schurter & Colombo crowned champions, Langvad makes history!

After seven days of relentless racing, Nino Schurter & Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) secured victory at the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, with Schurter claiming his third title and Colombo winning in his debut appearance. Luca Braidot & Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria) fought hard but finished 1 minute 32 seconds back, while South Africa’s Marco Joubert & Tristan Nortje (Imbuko ChemChamp A) delivered a fantastic performance to finish third overall.

In the Aramex UCI Women’s race, Annika Langvad & Sofia Gomez Villafane (Toyota | Specialized) dominated from start to finish, securing the title with a 21-minute lead. Langvad’s sixth win makes her the most successful rider in Cape Epic history, surpassing Karl Platt & Christoph Sauser. Despite retiring, becoming a mother, and working full-time, she returned to prove why she’s a legend of the sport.

The shortened Grand Finale saw Georg Egger & Lukas Baum (ORBEA Leatt Speed Company) claim the men’s stage win, while Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez & Tessa Kortekaas (CANNONDALE ISB SPORT) took their second consecutive victory in the women’s race.

📺 Relive all the action on the Epic Series YouTube channel.

📖 Read all things Epic in our Autumn Edition of Mountain Bike Magazine—available in stores and online now.

📸 .chiaretta

23/03/2025

Stage 6: South Africans take the win, GC battle tightens

It was a day to remember for the home crowd as Tristan Nortje & Marco Joubert (Imbuko ChemChamp A) stormed to victory on Stage 6 of the Absa Cape Epic! After days of attacking, the South African duo finally claimed their stage win, out-sprinting Luca Braidot & Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria) in a thrilling finish.

Meanwhile, race leaders Nino Schurter & Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) lost over a minute, and their overall lead is now down to just 32 seconds, setting up an intense final stage.

In the Aramex UCI Women’s race, Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez & Tessa Kortekaas (CANNONDALE ISB SPORT) delivered a dominant performance, taking their first stage win of the race. However, Annika Langvad & Sofia Gomez Villafane (Toyota | Specialized) managed their effort well, extending their GC lead to 23 minutes 26 seconds with just one stage remaining.

With the Grand Finale up next, can Wilier-Vittoria close the gap, or will Schurter & Colombo hold on?

📺 Watch the live coverage on the Epic Series YouTube channel.

📖 Get the full story in our Autumn Edition of Mountain Bike Magazine—available in stores and online now.

📸 .chiaretta

22/03/2025

Stage 5: Schurter & Colombo rule the Queen Stage, Langvad & Villafane stay unbeaten

The Queen Stage of the Absa Cape Epic lived up to its reputation, delivering steep climbs, tactical racing, and big moves in the general classification. Nino Schurter & Filippo Colombo (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing) attacked late on the Nek climb, surging ahead to claim the stage win and extend their overall lead to 1 minute 52 seconds. Luca Braidot & Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria) finished second, while Marco Joubert & Tristan Nortje (Imbuko ChemChamp A) gave it everything for the home crowd, crossing the line in third.

In the Aramex UCI Women’s race, Annika Langvad & Sofia Gomez Villafane (Toyota | Specialized) remained dominant, securing their sixth consecutive stage win. They faced stiff competition from Monica Yuliana Calderon Martinez & Tessa Kortekaas (CANNONDALE ISB SPORT), but a late surge saw Langvad & Villafane claim victory and extend their overall lead to 22 minutes 30 seconds.

With just two stages to go, can anyone shake up the standings?

📺 Watch the live coverage on the Epic Series YouTube channel.

📖 Get the story in our Autumn Edition of Mountain Bike Magazine—available in stores and online now.

📸 .chiaretta