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SA’S CHRISTO WINS RACE!

21/09/2014 02:30:00 BY ASHMOND NZIMA

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SIMUNYE – Visiting South Africa’s Christo Carelsen is the champion of the celebrated 72km Swazi Trac 3 Reserves Mountain Bike (MTB) event.

Despite failing to beat the time of fellow of countrymen, David Baber and Slahde Seale who clocked 02:54:52 and 02:49:03 hours, respectively, in the last two editions, the 29-year old had the last laugh after outshining his competitors at Simunye Country Club yesterday. The Nelspruit based cyclist reached the finish line in 02:55:35 hours.

In second place was South Africa’s Gerhard Shaw in 02:56:14 hours.
The champion conceded that his inaugural race was tough but felt the experience in competing in other local MTB events in Nedbank Imvelo and Ngwenya Glass came in handy. “It was a tough race. I started on the back foot but started to add more energy after the 50km mark. My competitors also came to the party,” said Carelsen.

“The cool weather also made things easier. The track was good and it was enjoyable to cycle past some wild animals.”
Meanwhile, 39-year old Kim Roques defied all odds to become the national champion ahead of the seasoned William Kelly. Despite missing his footing mid-way through the race, Roques soldiered on to hoist the country’s flag high. “It was a tough ride but I liked the route. We cycled with Kelly for the better part of the race,” he said.

fame

Roques shot to fame when he won a brand new Chevrolet Utility Bakkie about a month ago for a hole-in-one in the Challenge Ministries Fundraising Golf Day at Royal Swazi Golf Course. A hole-in-one is when a golfer drives the ball into the hole in one swing.

There were also three other events, namely 36km, 23km and 10km. Mozambique’s Wandre van Biljon was the winner in longer event in 01:23:07 hours, ahead of 14-year-old Muzi Shabangu. The latter reached the winning point after 01:28:00 hours.

The cyclists competed in muddy, rocky and bushy trails at three Game Reserves, namely Hlane, Mbuluzi and Mlawula. Over 400 cyclists were part of the festivities.