EQSTRA Spring Classic MTB

This year marked the 17th edition of the EQSTRA Spring Classic which was hosted at Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift , Johannesburg.

The course was similar to cross country racing as it consisted of short steep ascents and descents and a lot of winding single track. I enjoyed the route with it's constant challenges as there was always another tricky corner or rocky climb to navigate making the 45km route fly by.

My team mate Nicci and I took the lead from the start with Janine King hot on our heels. Around 24km into the race we missed a turn somewhere and as we headed in the direction of the finish line we realized that we were going the wrong way. We made our way back to the race route only to see Janine King and 4 other riders had joined us on our slight detour as they also missed the turn.

Once back on the correct route, Nicci and I had to dig deep in an attempt to rid ourselves of Janine all over again.

Around halfway we managed to open up a substantial gap on her but unfortunately it wasn’t all plain sailing 

from there to the finish. 

Nicci took a tumble around one of the corners within the last 10km.  We quickly managed to get her chain and twisted handlebars back in the right position and were back on our bikes before Janine could catch us. Who says mountain biking is not a team sport :)

 After an eventful race, Nicci and I crossed the finish line together taking 1st and 2nd place on the day with Janine King rounding out the podium in 3^rd place.