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SA’S MAX MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW

09/07/2017 10:23:00 BY ASHMOND NZIMA

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NGWENYA – Visiting South Africa’s Max Knox keeps tightening his grip on the Engen Ngwenya Glass Mountain Bike (MTB) Challenge title.

After the seventh edition of the race, the 30-year-old was back on the podium’s highest point to claim gold in the 70km event with a time of 03:01:40 hours at Ngwenya Glass outside Mbabane yesterday. Even though the four-time South African national MTB champion could not beat his record time of 02:51 hours set in the past year, he still had the verve to outshine strong competitors that include countryman, Declan Sidey, who reached the winning point in 03:05:39 hours.

However, it was Samantha Sanders (33), who stole the show as she ranked third ahead of seasoned male participants in 03:29:05 hours.
Despite a strong challenge from Sidey, Knox, who is a professional cyclist since 2007, eventually shook off his competitor after the first 30km.
“I had to push harder this year as I felt the competition.

“Overall it was a good race with nice trails,” said the off-road races specialist.
The Nelspruit-based runner-up, on the other hand, decried the steep climbs while the phenomenal female cyclist who raised eyebrows on debut also highlighted that the race was not for the weak-legged.
Like in previous years, racing was at high altitude with a total ascent of 1,379 metres. The route was altered a little bit to eliminate some of the steep climbs. The route consisted of forest roads, cattle paths (single track) and unused railway lines, with a balance of undulating hills.

Fifth placed Sicelo Phiri from MTN Khemani was the fastest Swazi in 03:41:33 hours.
While most cyclists could not finish the main event, others like Lungelo Mlangeni opted to downgrade to the shorter race due to misfortunes along the way.
Other events were 40km, 20km, and 7km long. Winning the second longest race was 4Eva Cycling Club half marathon specialist, Ayanda Dlamini, in 02:05:10 hours.
Other fitness enthusiasts were accommodated in the 16km and 7km trail runs. Deputy Prime Minister, Paul Dlamini, who now features regularly in cycling races, made a brief stop at the venue to brighten up the event.