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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
Written by Laetitia Botha [336 hits]
Although the FPC Down and Dirty, held at Southdown College in Centurion, was a new mountain bike race on this year’s calendar, the turn out on the day was astonishing! More than 1500 mountain bikers took part in the 60km, 30km and fun ride races on a chilly Saturday morning.
Winner of the ladies, Laetitia Botha, admitted:
I silently hoped that my competition would rather ride the Dome to Dome Mtb Challenge which also took place today, but at the start line it seemed as if everyone pitched up for the FPC race! The race start was even delayed by half an hour to accommodate all the people still standing in queues to enter.
The race started with a neutral zone up until the dirt road and as soon as the tar road ended, Paul Cordes (IMC) along with Ben Melt (MTN) and Francois (Team USN) immediately picked up the pace.
The beginning is always hard and a bit hectic, but after a few turns we reached a straight section next to the rail road. Here I caught up with Yolandi who was in the lead at this stage and sat behind her for a few seconds. I knew she was the firm favourite to win today and decided to try and stick with her as long as possible. But when I saw she was starting to fatigue and lost contact with the guys in front of us, I took the opportunity to get into the lead. I accelerated, passed her and never saw her or any of the other ladies again.
Half way through the race I was dead tired and afraid that I might have started the race too fast, but there’s nothing like the possibility of a 1st place and the motivation of a few fellow cyclists, to keep you pushing hard. I was so grateful when I got close and heard the music playing at the College - it was only then that I knew today was my day!
Botha even surprised the commentator and timekeepers on the day when they announced Yolandi as the winner, coming in six minutes later, and at first canceling Botha’s time on the results! Her first place should actually not have been a shock, as this 22 year old has been showing excellent form in the second half of this year’s season. On several big mountain bike races like Walkerville, Illove, Subaru Lost City, as well as a few road races, she’s been on the 2nd and 3rd podium step. It was only a matter of time before she would step onto the highest podium platform and claim a win.
Second place was taken by Yolandi du Toit (Garmin), followed a few minutes later by her teammate, Samantha Oosthuizen and in fourth place Carmen Bassingthwaight. Almost making it a replay of the previous weekend’s Dirty Harry marathon, as these three were also there in the top five.
FPC Down and Dirty results:
Ladies Overall
1. Laetitia Botha (FPC/USN/GT) 2:18:46
2. Yolandi du Toit (Team Garmin) 2:24:36
3. Samantha Oostuizen (Team Garmin) 2:28:39
4. Carmen Bassingthwaight 2:30:26
Men Overall
1. Ben Melt Swanepoel (Team MTN) 1:58:55
2. Francois Theron (Team USN) 2:05:10
3. JP Pearton (Team USN) 2:05:44
4. Jean Pierre ten Napel (Hatfield Cycles) 2:07:29
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