Big Induna MTB Challenge

The Big Induna MTB challenge was held on the outskirts of Hazyview in
Mpumalanga on 11 June 2011.
I travelled down to the Lowveld on Friday and was welcomed by perfect
summer weather on arrival. As soon as we got settled into our
accommodation for the weekend, I got dressed and went for my pre-race
training ride. It was a great feeling to be on my bike again without
layers and layers of clothing.

As race day dawned it was another beautiful summer’s day (at least for
those of us living on the Highveld). The organisers of Induna again
outdid themselves with a spectacular event. I took part in the
challenging 78km marathon which consisted of hand cut trails snaking
through indigenous forest, short sharp climbs and a few tricky bridges
to keep things interesting.
We started at the Induna Adventure Centre with the race route taking
us on a loop of 45km to pass the start/finish line and then head onto
the last 38km loop. Candice Neethling (Team bizhub) showed her cross
country prowess and took the lead from the start.

On the first lap I was riding alongside Ezster Elderly(Team
MTN/Qhubeka) as we fought for 2nd position out on course. The race
positions stayed like this as we completed the first 45km loop through
the start/finish area.

Ester put in a hard effort on the following short sharp climb opening
a small gap on me. The climb was quickly followed by a tricky single
track alongside the river. Before the single track Ezster was still in
sight but on it, her skill made her vanish in the wink of an eye.


From there on I was on my own chasing the two leaders out in front. I
did manage to make contact with them again but unfortunately this was
after the finish line 
Candice managed to stay in the lead until the end to take the victory
at the Big Induna marathon, while Ezster Elderly followed home in 2nd
place and me in 3rd. I am happy to make the podium at such a great
event and am looking forward to the 2012 edition already.