One of the real tough ladies of South African mountain biking, Ischen Stopforth (Bizbub), will again race in the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek (17-22 October) this year.
Stopforth was undoubtedly one of the true tour heroes of last year’s DCM Cape Pioneer Trek. Racing with Marcel Deacon, she crashed heavily during the first stage. Although she had to endure severe pain, they went on to win the stage, taking the early lead in the mixed category.
Afterwards X-rays showed that three of Stopforth’s ribs were broken. Stopforth, herself a qualified doctor, knew that quitting the race would be the best option from a medical perspective. But she’s also a mountain biker and quitting isn’t in her nature.
During the next five days, in spite of the fact that every pedal stroke was a stark reminder that the last place for her to be was on her mountain bike, Stopforth battled on valiantly, ignoring her own suffering. Sometimes she even struggled to keep her tears back. For this never-say-die attitude of hers, she was eventually rewarded with a fourth place in the mixed category.
It would have been understandable if Stopforth should have decided to give the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek a miss this year, but her ‘never-say-die’ attitude will once again grace the startline.
“Lets be honest. The DCM Cape Pioneer Trek is definitely one of the toughest challenges on the local calendar. Last year I even thought that it was harder than the Cape Epic, but after this year’s Epic I am not so sure anymore,” Stopforth said.
“What makes the DCM Cape Pioneer Trek a must-do ride for me, is the fact that it is a community driven event. In every town the whole community gets involved. You cannot help feeling that it is really important for everybody to ensure that we, as riders, have a memorable experience.”
Stopforth’s teammate this year will be Catherine Williamson. Judging by their respective performances so far this year, they will definitely be contenders in the women’s category. Stopforth and Williamson won the Joburg2C. Stopforth, teaming up with Hanlie Booyens, also finished third in the Cape Epic.