This weekend marked the annual Ladismith Cheese 7Weekspoort MTB Challenge where over a thousand cyclists gathered in the quaint town of Ladismith.
For some, the event was an opportunity to put their riding skills to the test on the challenging 85km route, while for others it was a chance to soak in the Seweweekspoort surroundings.
For many youngsters in the Southern and Western Cape region, however, the event was a competitive race that would allow them to claim mountain biking prestige for their school.
This year Laerskool Blanco were crowned 2018 School’s Race Champions. With the strong incentive to win prize money that would be given to their school and the coveted floating trophy, the cycling stars overcame some stiff competition from Laerskool Robertson to collectively snatch up enough points and seal the overall victory.
Standing out, in particular, was Laerskool Blanco’s Mianette Theron, Lincoln Zietsman and Anje van Niekerk who managed to set the fastest time their respective age categories.
George Suid, Laerskool Outeniqua, and Knysna Primary took the joint position of third overall.
The strong group of Blanco riders was spearheaded by teacher and fellow mountain biker, Johan du Preez, who commented:
“The camaraderie at Laerskool Blanco is at an all-time high because we feel like we’ve finally proved we’re the best marathon cycling school in the Western Cape. I love how this event helps us promote this sport. Mountain biking offers a unique opportunity to a wide spectrum of school children and gives them a sense of belonging. I’ve seen it boost so many of my learner’s confidence as they’ve discovered a new sense of adventure.”
Taking the title in the High School category this year was Hoerskool Outeniqua.
Caption: 2018 Ladismith Cheese 7WeeksMTB Challenge captured by Marike Cronje for www.zcmc.co.za
