Du Toit, Strydom slay the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic

Du Toit, Strydom slay the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic

 Pieter du Toit (Potchefstroom) and Danielle Strydom (Potchefstroom) made light work of the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic aka “The Monster” that was hosted at the ATKV Buffelspoort today (Saturday 01 June 2019).

Just under 1300 eager mountain bikers toed the line to test their mountain biking prowess against the 17^th edition of this much revered MTB event.

Du Toit, who was still smiling when he crossed the finish line, claimed victory in the Marathon (+-65km) in a deserving time of 02 hours 53 minutes.  “The FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic is a very cool race to do,” says du Toit.  “It’s one of the tougher races, so it’s very nice to do well here.   The race started quite slow with a big bunch of riders staying together.  I managed to get a small gap of 10 – 15 seconds on the Monster climb.  From there the gap just grew and I had a good race.  It’s really nice to claim gold because last year I punctured and the Monster beat me. It’s great to beat the Monster this year.”  Marc Fourie came in second, while Keagan Bontekoning finished third.

In the women’s race Strydom secured victory in 03 hours 25 minutes 13 seconds.  “The FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic is the only race that I know of where the down-hills are actually tougher than the up-hills,” laughs Strydom.  “That says a lot because this event is known for its ‘Monster’ climb.  Today was proper my shoulders are ‘lekker moeg’.  There was some competition, so I decided to go out hard in the beginning and see how long I could keep it up.  Luckily I was able to drop the rider and just kept it throughout the race, pacing myself.  This is an iconic race, one that a lot of people talk about.  To be able to win it is a good feeling.”  Sanet Coetzee came in second, while Brigitte Joubert finished third.

Bertie Anderson (Pretoria East) was the first rider to cross the finish line in the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic Half Marathon (+-33km).   “I had a fun race.  I managed to get to the top of the big climb.  It means a lot to finish first because I am younger than the rest of the riders.”   Anton Roelofse came in second, while Antonie Lit finished third.

Monique du Toit (Pretoria East) set the route on fire in the women’s FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic Half Marathon (+-33km).  “The route was very nice, rough and hilly,” says Du Toit.  “It’s tough to ride with a hard tail, but I enjoyed it.  This is a really tough race and I am glad to win it.  I’d definitely recommend the event to family and friends, but you do need to be fit.  It’s tough, but the route is scenic and the atmosphere at Buffelspoort is really nice.”  Jone van Eeden came in second, while Caitlin Thompson finished third.

In the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic Fun Ride (+-15km) Ernest Roets crossed the finish line first in 40 minutes 15 seconds.  Zuan Jacobs came in second, while Carlo Du Pisani finished third.

Nicky Flynn was the first rider home in the women’s race in a time of 54 minutes.  Myra Mantle came in second, while Melissa-Sue Harmse finished third.

In addition to the Marathon (+-65km), Half Marathon (+-33km) and Fun Ride (+-15km) the 2019 FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic also featured a 2.5km Kids Event where junior mountain biking enthusiasts could experience the spectacular sport of mountain biking.

“Congratulations to all participants and sports enthusiasts for a breath-taking performance. This event continues to grow robustly every year and it’s arguably one of the best races in the South African sporting calendar. It doesn’t only provide an adrenaline rush adventure to professional athletes, but a joyous memorable experience for our clients, families and friends. Well done to all the winners, we look forward to seeing more people next year,” says Mike Vacy-Lyle, FNB Business CEO.

RESULTS: 2019 FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic

Date:  Saturday, 01 June 2019

Venue:  ATKV Buffelspoort

 MARATHON (+-65km)

 Men

 1 Pieter du Toit 02:53:00, 2 Marc Fourie 02:57:20, 3 Keagan Bontekoning 02:57:58, 4 Phillimon Sebona 03:02:08, 5 Roussouw Bekker 03:05:08, 6 Chris Du Plessis 03:05:41, 7 Brennon Clevely 03:05:52, 8 Dusty Day 03:06:56, 9 Dean Engelbrecht 03:06:59, 10 Barend Burger 03:07:31

Women

 1 Danielle Strydom 03:25:13, 2 Sanet Coetzee 03:33:42, 3 Brigitte Joubert 03:48:56, 4 Nicolette Griffioen 03:49:31, 5 Estie Potgieter 03:59:10, 6 Bronwynne Swanepoel 04:11:29, 7 Tanya Kotze 04:12:26, 8 Hildegarde Cronje 04:17:19, 9 Yvonone Prinsloo 04:18:26, 10 Rozaan Bekker 04:21:19

HALF MARATHON (+-33km)

 Men

 1 Bertie Anderson 01:34:44, 2 Anton Roelofse 01:36:15, 3 Antonie Lit 01:36:24, 4 Travis John de Lange 01:38:40, 5 Jaco Botha 01:38:51, 6 Len Coetzee 01:41:24, 7 Chrislyn Schoeman 01:41:27, 8 Ben du Plessis 01:42:26, 9 Xander Dreyer 01:42:47, 10 Khan Nothnagel 01:46:00

Women

1 Monique du Toit 01:52:57, 2 Jone van Eeden 01:57:49, 3 Caitlin Thompson 02:04:12, 4 Natasha Roets 02:04:44, 5 Marjone Strydom 02:06:47, 6 Sunique van der Walt 02:08:21, 7 Kaylin Gombos 02:08:22, 8 Sune Van Heerden 02:12:26, 9 Sanette Roets 02:18:06, 10 Sheryl van der Bert 02:21:55

 FUN RIDE (+-15KM)

 Men

 1 Ernest Roets 00:40:15, 2 Zuan Jacobs 00:40:44, 3 Carlo Du Pisani 00:42:19, 4 Bradley Capon 00:47:21, 5 Wicus Jacobs 00:47:28

 Women

 1 Nicky Flynn 00:54:00, 2 Myra Mantle 00:55:47, 3 Melissa-Sue Harmse 00:59:50, 4 Benita Koekemoer 01:00:04, 5 Lizette van den Berg 01:02:32

Bottom of Form

NEXT UP:  FNB Platinum Trail Run

The first 1000 trail runners to enter (and pay – Long/Medium/Short) will receive an official event t-shirt.  All event finishers will receive a medal (Kids Event included).

Follow us on Twitter:  @magmonstermtb /@StillwaterTrail

Like our Facebook Page:  Stillwater MTB Events / Stillwater Trail Running

For more information on the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic or FNB Platinum Trail Run contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.

About the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic and the FNB Platinum Trail Run:

FNB is proud to once again be the title sponsor of the annual FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic and the FNB Platinum Trail Run.    

 This sponsorship forms part of FNB’s ongoing strategy to support local and community events that focus on healthy lifestyle activities and family involvement. We pride ourselves in creating memorable experiences that exceed expectation, for all participants and spectators along with their families with the aim of creating enduring rewarding relationships