The Fairtree Imperial Cannondale (FIC) MTB riders performed exceptionally well in the FNB Wine2Whales Shiraz event at the weekend.
Finishing in the top 20 of the competition were teammates Luyanda Tobigunya and Lorenzo le Roux 08:55:08 (16th overall, 15th in category). The pair had a few technicalities on day three, which directly effected their overall results.
It was the most teams that FIC entered into the event in their history which was an accomplishment in itself.
“A huge thanks to Marc Erasmus from the Cape Epic and Wines2Whales for making this possible. We went into the race determined to show some great results and that the teams did. This is one of the strongest fields assembled at the event and to get a top 20 finish was truly remarkable,” says Chris Norton, of FIC.
“Our Exarro Category teams of Lihle and Ongiziwe are growing from strength to strength and we are extremely excited about what they can do at the Cape Epic next year. Ongs has only recently transitioned from the road bike to MTB and has made incredible progress in a very short space of time. He was extremely disappointed that he could not get the team a podium position in this category which shows his determination and will to succeed, which is all we want. Our second Exarro team of Avuyile and Thembela also finished strongly and will give us a base for next year.”
For the first time in FIC’s history, they managed to get a women’s team together and get them over the line. “Ann and Bestie showed incredible determination and courage to persevere in difficult conditions and we are extremely proud of their achievement. This was their first stage race together and we are excited to build on this foundation. To get a women’s team together was always a priority for us so this marks the start of something special for the team,” he added.
The appointment of CP van Wyk as a full time coach has definitely made a significant impact on the results of the team and the plan now will be to focus on individual MTB skills (single track and technical prowess) and greater team cohesion and strategy, in stage events.
Results
. Luyanda Tobigunya and Lorenzo le Roux 08:55:08 (16th Overall, 15th in Cat). Kusaselihle Ngidi and Ongeziwe Tyapa 10:20:28 (62nd Overall and 24th in Cat). Thembela Lukalo and Avuyile Mhlahlo 10:29:59 (70th Overall and 30th in Cat). Siyabulela Tutu and Sandiso Xetu 10:39:34 (77th Overall and 35th in Cat). Thando Nthuthu and Eddie Engelbrecht 13:03:48 (241st Overalland 97th in Cat). Lwandile Tshandana and Lwazi Tshandana 13:48:33 (313TH Overall and 121st in Cat) . Ann Engelbrecht and Sive Boyce (Ladies) 18:47:41 (501 Overall and 9th in Cat).
