2023, Enduro, Events, Race reports
Round 2 of the 2023 KZN Gravity Series – Giba Gorge
Mar
The second round of the annual KZN Gravity Provincial Enduro series sponsored by Greg Minnaar Cycles was hosted once again by Giba Gorge MTB Park near Durban, South Africa. For once in what riders deemed to be “a long, long time”, the weather seemed to be playing ball – the weeks rainfall had left the trails mud-free, in perfect condition, and the sun was shining determinedly on race day!
With temperatures soaring into the mid-30s Celsius, the conditions were tough right from the start. But that didn’t deter the riders who lined up at the starting line, eager to take on the five stages of the race, set by Guy “Ronnie” Ronaldson, who was determined to shake things up this year, with some old favourites mixed in with some new twists and turns.
Stage 1 and 2 were set on the “Blue” side of the park and comprised of the narrow and loose Flow trail and the steep, technical and exciting China Ronnies, into the downhill course, and finishing over Monster Jump and Q’d drop.
On the “Green” side of the park, Stage 3, 4 and 5 had some old favorites including the steep No Tools trail, into the tight corners of the rooted Jollys trail backwards, as well as the rough, fast descent of Allans Alley.
But it was Stage 5 that had the Queen feature of the day – as riders dropped through Big Boy, Long Drop and through the old house, they would have to tackle a tight switchback climb called Hellgirl before sprinting through the Barrell to finish the day off! With adrenaline pumping and energy reserves running low, this was a true test of endurance and determination, as riders pushed themselves to the limit to cross the line in first place.
Every rider who took part in this grueling event was a true champion, pushing themselves to the limit and demonstrating the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that makes Enduro mountain biking such a special and rewarding sport.
In the end, it was local rider Ross Kew who took the top step in the Mens Race, while Amber Cole rode fastest to the women’s top step.
TOP 5 MEN
- Ross Kew 10:59.124
- Keira Duncan 11:03.262
- Liam Hall 11:27.334
- Andre Pretorius 11:34.143
- Brandon Waugh 11:37.380
TOP 5 WOMEN
- Amber Cole 14:11.921
- Sabine Thies 14:12.241
- Melody French 14:22.312
- Jodi Mackinnon 14:30.711
- Jade Davies 14:55.016