In what can be described as a monster race, the Fairtree Imperial Cannondale (FIC) riders successfully tackled the Imbuko Big 5 MTB in Wellington on Saturday 18 February.
In this unique challenge, the FIC riders endured a total ascent of 3 000 m over 77 km, making it the ultimate one-day event to test riders’ strength and fitness only four weeks before this year’s Absa Cape Epic.
The team performed brilliantly with everyone finishing in the top 100 what is touted as the toughest one-day event in the Western Cape. Luyanda Tobigunya (4:42:48, 18th) and Sithembiso Masango (4:49:12, 22nd) recorded great results and the rest of the team did not disappoint, which bodes well for some great team results at the Cape Epic.
Other riders include Kusaselihle Ngidi (5:04:39, 29th), Ongeziwe “Ongs” Tyapa (5:20:14, 44th), Atlahang Motsokotsi (5:51:57, 74th) and Thembela Lukalo (6:16:13, 96th)
“These excellent results give us a great base going into the Cape Epic as the teams are performing well. There will be individual sessions with riders to improve on times as well as race strategy,” said FIC’s Chris Norton.
He added that the Imbuko Big 5 MTB race is not only extremely tough, but also attracts a powerful field of riders, including most of the professionals set to participate in the Cape Epic. “The team’s results are incredible, considering both these factors and we are looking forward to watching them perform as teams.”
