The 2019 Grindrod Berg and Bush came to an end on Sunday and the women's race saw some fast racing from the top teams.
Robyn de Groot has just come back from a three month training and racing block in Europe and is at her prime following a bronze medal at the World Marathon Championships in Switzerland. Her DormakabaSA team mate Amy McDougall is also hitting some fine form and so together they would a tough team to beat.
The Gallilieo Risk-Liv pairing of Sarah Hill and Theresa Ralph have had a big season and were hoping to secure the overall victory after 3 days of mountain biking in Kwazulu-Natal.
Stage 1
The women’s race was won by Amy McDougall and Robyn de Groot in 3:47:47. Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill came home in secnd place, with Nina Hind and Robyn Assad completing the podium.
“The hardtails made it hard work, but we had a great time on the trails,” said McDougall.
“We stayed with Theresa and Sarah until the first climb after Solly’s Folly, but from there we pushed on and left them behind.”
Stage 2
Amy McDougall and Robyn de Groot won the second stage, while Theresa Ralph and Sarah Hill came second.
Ralph said she and Hill tried to catch McDougall and De Groot but her teammate, who had experienced a long season already, was struggling on the day.
“The trails were amazing, though, so it was a great way to spend a morning.
Stage 3
Amy McDougall and Robyn de Groot won the final stage, finishing over six minutes ahead of Sarah Hill and Theresa Ralph. Third were Nina Hind and Robyn Assad.
General Classification
1. Amy McDougall & Robyn de Groot 8:30:49 2. Theresa Ralph & Sarah Hill 8:37:33 3. Nina Hind & Robyn Assad 11:00:11
Take a look at some of the top images from this years event.
All images by: Em Gatland
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The Grindrod Berg and Bush
3 day stage race of magnificent mountain biking starting in the Drakensberg near Harrismith and following riveting single track down to Em'Seni camp Winterton.
For more info : www.bergandbush.co.za