Schools MTB League Stampriet showdown
Mountain biking
The Roots Gymnasium Cycle Challenge was a huge success.
The FNB Schools Mountain Biking (MTB) League for 2024 kicked off last weekend at Roots Gymnasium Private School in Stampriet. The year’s first competition in the south was an ultimate showdown, where the thrill of rugged terrain met the spirit of competitive biking. Riders from across the country converged to test their mettle on Stampriet’s challenging trails, in hopes of clinching the coveted trophies and medals, while boosting their individual standing on the leaderboard, as well as for their school.
Under-18 and U16
In the under-18 boys’ category was undisputed Prince Sibomana who clocked an impressive time of 20 minutes 37 seconds in the final and third lap.
The girls’ under-18 category saw Angela Kamati (20 min 37 sec) beat Erika Hamundjebo (27:24) with a time difference of almost seven minutes.
The under-16 boys’ category was contested by three riders. Shawn Morkel came first (20:37), with Torrence Morkel close on his heels with 21:14. Bion Barnard could unfortunately not finish the first lap.
Under-14 and U12
Arno Steenkamp displayed dominance in the boys’ 14 category, completing the course in 20:48. His counterpart Karl-Nikolai Lisse secured second place with 21:42.
In the boys’ under-12 category, last year’s boys’ under-10 league winner Sion Liebenberg held on to first place in 14:41, beating Arthur Simon (14:56) in a close call. Behind them were Lenardo Kock, Zander Prinsloo and DJ Slabbert, ranked third, fourth and fifth.
Qara Volschenk, who was tied for overall first place last season in the girls’ under-12 series, was undisputed in this competition, ending with a record time of 14:42.
Under-10 and U8
The boys’ under-10 category saw undisputed Petrus Shikomba secure an impressive time record of 19:20.
In the girls’ under-10 category, Wilhelmina Hamundjebo claimed the overall title in 19:32. Close on her heels were Amelie Meyer (second) and Ané Truter.
Neil Liebenberg came first among the under-8 boys, in a record time of 6 minutes 51 seconds. Behind him were Markus Blankestjin (second) and Ebert Venter.
Naita Mukete reigned supreme in the girls’ under-8 category, with her counterparts Lhana Simon and Sanmari Venter ranked second and third.
Under-6
The boys’ under-6 category saw Simeon Meyer finish first in 3:59. His fellow rider, Hardus Blankenstijn only took part in the first lap.
The competition’s organiser, Joubert Snyman, who is also a teacher and cycling coach at Roots Gymnasium, said: “The Roots Gymnasium Cycle Challenge was a huge success, making our young riders very happy and excited. They pedalled hard during the race, and parents and others cheered them on. When they finished, they felt proud and happy.
“The event brought everyone together and made the riders feel accomplished. They enjoyed it so much that they can't wait for the next one scheduled in Windhoek on 13 April.
“The Roots Gymnasium Cycle Challenge not only achieved its goal of promoting fitness, but also left a lasting impression on the young participants, igniting a passion for cycling that is sure to endure.”