Times Of Swaziland: SA’S DECLAN CRUISES TO THE TOP SA’S DECLAN CRUISES TO THE TOP ================================================================================ BY SANELE JELE on 08/07/2018 07:47:00 NGWENYA – In the absence of defending champion, Max Knox, South Africa Cyclist’s Declan Sidey stole the show at the seventh edition of the Engen Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike Race. The Stellenbosch-based cyclist managed to finish the 70km race in 3:18:48 hours to complete his third win in his fifth attempt. However, despite winning the race, he failed to beat his own previous record of 3:05:39 hours. Knox had won the race last year in a record time of 3:01:40 hours. The 23-year-old rider said despite the route having steep climbs and challenging down hills, he managed to be consistent throughout the race. “It was not an easy race, as it was challenging in both the climbs and downhill but I had to focus and keep pushing until the end of the race. I am very happy that I won the race despite not having beaten last year’s previous record,” Sidey said. He further confirmed that he would definitely partake in the next edition and was ready to defend his title. “Look, I know it won’t be easy defending my title but I hope to improve next year. What motivates me to keep joining this race on a yearly basis is that it gives back to charity. I like to win but I feel great when we do this sport to support charity,” he said. Coming second was another South African cyclist by the name of Hezne Engelbrecht on 3:26:24 hours while Samantha Sanders defended her title in the women category. The South African rider finished the race in 3:30:22 hours. She could not beat her previous record of 3:29:05 hours. She was third overall last year and first in the women category. The 34-year-old cyclist said the route was a bit challenging this time around. “I enjoyed myself even though the route was challenging. It requires one to get out her comfort zone and keep pushing until the end. I am happy that I managed to protect my title and contribute towards a good course,” she said. The race started and finished at Ngwenya Glass outside Mbabane. This year’s event was conferred with national championships status. The second longest event was 42km long. Fun run enthusiasts were accommodated as well. They featured in trail runs. More reports and full results in tomorrow’s edition.