South African marathon champion, Robyn de Groot (Ascendis Health) won a tight tussle with Amy Beth McDougall (Valencia) to capture the overall honours in the women’s division of the Ashburton Investments National MTB Series in Sabie at the weekend.
It was the inaugural two-day format race in the prestigious seven-round series and it delivered the exciting racing it was designed to, as De Groot held off McDougall in a sprint to win the 64.5km first stage in wet, muddy conditions.
Much drier conditions greeted the competitors on Sunday and De Groot and McDougall were once again locked in battle on the shorter 44km leg, held predominantly on the York Timbers trails. De Groot managed to move away near the end though to secure the stage win and the overall title.
Amy Beth McDougall on the chase at Sabie. Photo: Zoon Cronje
McDougall finished in second place, 36 seconds later and sealed her second place overall, while Vanessa Bell (Bells Cycling), third on both stages, grabbed the final overall podium place.
“Going into today I was nervous. I’d never ridden any of these routes used on Day 2. I know Amy knows the trails really well. But out there it was cat and mouse. We both have different strengths so we were yo-yoing past one another at different sections. I’m glad to have been able to take the win overall,” said De Groot.
“I think from a professionalism point of view, it would be good to have all the pro ladies competing at these races, especially since Ashburton Investments increased the women’s prize money to be equal to the men’s,” added De Groot, when asked about the lack of depth in the women’s field.
“I absolutely love these trails. I know them very well from having competed in the York Timbers Enduro; and from living here for a year. I had a bit of bad luck today with my wheel, but it was a great battle with Robyn, who was the stronger rider today,” said McDougall.
The Ashburton Investments National MTB Series now moves to South Africa’s Free State province for Round 3, on 8-9 April. For more information or to enter, visit www.nationalmtbseries.com.
Ashburton Investments National MTB Series 2017 Round 2, Sabie
Marathon
Women Stage 1:
1. Robyn de Groot (RSA) Ascendis Health 3:06:06
2. Amy Beth McDougall (RSA) Valencia 3:06:06
3. Vanessa Bell (RSA) Bells Cycling 3:25:59
4. Sarah Hill (RSA) Cycling Specific 3:38:52
5. Emily Clarke (RSA) 3:40:18
6. Kristen Louw (RSA) 3:53:54
7. Julia Kotze (RSA) 3:55:34
8. Janice Venter (RSA) 4:11:30
9. Melanie Roux (RSA) 4:20:30
10. Kerry-Leigh Tomaselli (RSA) 4:31:28
Women Stage 2:
1. Robyn de Groot (RSA) Ascendis Health 2:16:24
2. Amy Beth McDougall (RSA) Valencia 2:16:59
3. Vanessa Bell (RSA) Bells Cycling 2:27:46
4. Emily Clarke (RSA) 2:32:00
5. Sarah Hill (RSA) Cycling Specific 2:37:43
6. Julia Kotze (RSA) 2:40:23
7. Kristen Louw (RSA) 2:43:12
8. Jessica Alcock (RSA) 2:46:50
9. Melanie Roux (RSA) 2:59:09
10. Janice Venter (RSA) 3:03:30
Women combined – final positions:
1. Robyn de Groot (RSA) Ascendis Health 5:22:29
2. Amy Beth McDougall (RSA) Valencia 5:23:05
3. Vanessa Bell (RSA) Bells Cycling 5:53:45
4. Emily Clarke (RSA) 6:12:18
5. Sarah Hill (RSA) Cycling Specific 6:16:35
6. Julia Kotze (RSA) 6:35:57
7. Kristen Louw (RSA) 6:37:06
8. Janice Venter (RSA) 7:15:00
9. Melanie Roux (RSA) 7:19:39
10 Heather Slabbert (RSA) 7:45:07
Half-marathon
Females combined – final positions:
1 Tanya Kotze 4:19:20
2 Anjenel van der Walt 4:32:28
3 Rimari Sutton 4:47:03