Cape Brewing Company was one of the sponsors of this race, and one of the water points were at the Brewery, it really was a "home race" for CBC. I really wanted to do this race since part of the route includes the new trails of Rheebookskloof wine estate, this place has quickly become one of my favorite places to mountainbike, the single tracks are just awesome.

I had not prepared as I normally do for this race, I had visitors from Sweden here in Stellenbosch and it is the end of the season so I took a mental break from the serious training, sometimes the head also needs a break.  

It was a tough start and Craig was the one that made it really hard at the front of the bunch when the climbing started, he looked in good form! The first 35 minutes were uphill and I could feel that my legs were not really in to this on the day. I was thinking of the fun riders who chose to do an easier route of 30km instead of the 60km, they also had to go up that first long climb! I was happy when I reached Rheebookskloof and could have some fun on the single tracks, it is always nice to race on trails one knows well! I had great support from Mercia and Scott at the waterpoint at the Brewery, I did not have time for a stop, I guess the racing devil comes out no matter how small the race is…

I won the ladies category and Craig did well and finished 3rd on the mens.

It was the first time they had this race in Paarl and a huge thank you and well done goes to the organizers for a really good event and a tough, hard and fun route!!