Riders took on a 4.4km course consisting of different obstacles and challenges. The amount of laps varied between the different events.

First up was the five-lap under-23 women’s race, which was won by Danish Malene Degn in a time of 1:18:52.

Straight after that, Norwegian Petter Fagerhaug comfortably won the six-lap under-23 men’s race in 1:18:23. South Africa’s Wessel Botha did well to finish in 19th.

Danish Annika Langvad showed great composure to win the six-lap elite women’s race in 1:33:14 after taking control on the final lap. South Africa’s national champion Mariske Strauss finished in 28th and she was “happy” with how it played out in the end.

New Zealander Sam Gaze caused a major upset to beat world champion Nino Schurter in exhilarating fashion, as the race went down to the wire in a sprint finish. Gaze won the seven-lap elite men’s race in 1:30:14.

South Africans had a tough day at the office in the feature event, with the highest-placed rider – Stuart Maris – having finished only 75th. Marais, however, felt “content” with the result considering he suffered some setbacks in the latter parts of the race.

Have a glimpse below of some of the action.

Photos courtesy of Shannon Valstar.