MTB riders pedal for purpose

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - The third annual Finovo Jakkalberry Extreme MTB bike race took place on Saturday 16 December.

All the proceeds of the event went towards the George Vryburgers Food For Kidz project, through which local schools' nutrition projects have been supported for years.

The event consisted of two parts: the Jakkalberry Extreme, spanning a challenging 108km, and the Halfjakk covering 47km.

The Jakkalberry kicked off at the crack of dawn at Redberry Farm just outside George, while the wheels of the Halfjakk were set in motion at Ruiterbosch Lodge near Hartenbos at 08:00.

Both routes culminated at the finish line at Jakkalsvlei Winery near Mossel Bay.

Winding through the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains, riders primarily navigated gravel roads, occasionally transitioning to Jeep tracks, and snaking through Herbertsdale before reaching Jakkalsvlei Wine Cellars.

The project has been run by the Vryburgers for many years with the aim of supporting schools' nutrition projects for needy children.

Photo gallery: MTB riders pedal for purpose

Conquering the race one gravel stretch at a time. Photo: Deidre Cloete

Results
Linke Oosthuizen took first place in the women's Halfjakk race with a time of 2:15:34, with Esrie Loock-Bezuidenhout hot on her heels in a time of 2:17:03. Michelle Cilliers took the third place with a time of 2:45:46.

Jaco Jacobs won the men's Halfjakk race with a time of 1:43:16. In second place was Franco van Zyl (1:48:27) and in third place was Wium du Toit (1:48:42).

Rethe Mostert won the Jakkalberry Extreme with a time of 5:01:24. She was followed by Nicolle Weir (5:28:36) in second and Jackie Davidoff (5:34:39) in third.

Derek Venter was victorious in the Jakkalberry Extreme men's race with a time of 4:03:16. Iniel Hattingh won second place with a time of 4:10:24 and third place went to Gerrit Moelich with a time of 4:19:33.

Dirt, grit, and endless adventures on two wheels. Riders embraced the thrill of gravel biking during the event. Photo: Gerber Sport Photography