In a stunning display of speed and endurance, Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning from the Insect Science team shattered the Trans Baviaans course record, proving that mountain bikes still reign supreme even in near-ideal conditions. The duo completed the grueling 227-kilometer race in an impressive 7 hours, 29 minutes, and 5 seconds on Saturday, August 10th, outpacing the gravel bike challenge led by Rossouw Bekker and Matthys Beukes.
Mountain Bikes vs. Gravel Bikes: The Battle for Supremacy
The race began with smooth roads and tailwinds, seemingly favoring the gravel bikers. However, the rougher terrain of the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve proved to be the turning point. “Valley [Electrical Titan Racing] made it quite hard with some roadie attacks in the first 100 kilometers,” Bontekoning recounted. “But once we hit the kloof, the gravel bikes started to struggle, and we managed to catch up easily.”
From Check Point 3 onwards, the mountain bikes took the lead. “After that, we were able to ride at our own pace,” Bontekoning said. “We noticed Matthys [Beukes] was struggling on the Fangs and MAC, and we could see our advantage growing.” The duo maintained their momentum through the final stages, securing a 7-minute and 32-second victory over the Valley Electrical Titan Racing squad.
Despite the defeat, Bekker praised the gravel bike’s performance, noting, “Overall, I feel the gravel bike was the faster and more efficient bike. I’ll definitely be back to give it another shot.”
Women’s Race: SHEOVITA Dominates with Commanding Victory
In the women’s race, Jessica Wilkinson and Rebecca van Huyssteen of the SHEOVITA team rode to a dominant victory. Finishing in 10 hours, 38 minutes, and 57 seconds, they were 30 minutes and 42 seconds ahead of the second-place PEAK Chicks. The SHEOVITA team showcased strong teamwork and consistency throughout the race, overcoming challenges such as drivetrain issues and unusually warm weather.
“Trans Baviaans was incredible; we were blessed with great weather,” Wilkinson said. “The route is exceptionally special, and I’d recommend the race to absolutely everyone!” Despite the heat, the duo maintained a steady pace and finished the race in just their CIOVITA Speed Suits, a first for them during this cold and wet winter.
Looking Ahead: The Repeat Race
Riders returning for the Trans Baviaans Repeat on Saturday, August 17th, can expect similarly warm temperatures, with predictions of highs reaching 25 degrees in the Baviaanskloof. While tailwinds are expected to make for another speedy race, without the firepower of teams like Insect Science, the newly set record is unlikely to be challenged.
2024 Trans Baviaans Race Results
Men’s Teams:
- Insect Science: Arno du Toit & Keagan Bontekoning (7:29:05)
- Valley Electrical Titan Racing: Rossouw Bekker & Matthys Beukes (7:36:37)
- 24/7 Security / Fuel X: Erick Heyns & Jan Withaar (7:48:49)
- Coimbra Masters: Vickus Boshoff & Iniel Hattingh (8:32:32 | 1st Masters Team)
- Knysna Toyota: Rogan Smart & Matthew Leppan (8:34:51)
Women’s Teams:
- SHEOVITA: Rebecca van Huyssteen & Jessica Wilkinson (10:38:57)
- PEAK Chicks: Jodi Zulberg & Parys Edwards (11:09:38)
- Pirtek Cube Maties Cycling: Julia Marx & Karla Stumpf (11:16:01)
- Pocket Rockets: Tracey Campbell & Jolene Rossouw (11:30:11)
- Pedal Pursuit: Elana Swart & Nickey Botes (11:44:39)
Mixed Teams:
- e-FORT: Elrika Harmzen-Pretorius & Alexander Lawrance (9:37:28)
- TEG/ACTOP 2: Francois Kemp & Beverley Wingfield (9:52:05)
- Nortje & De Villiers Racing: Maureen Jordaan & David-John van der Merwe (10:07:21)
- NUK – Dummy Run: Juanita Mackenzie & Neill Clark (10:13:14)
- Coral Clean Mix: Renaldo Wessels & John Hayes (11:32:35)
Stay Connected
For those eager to follow the action as it unfolds during the Repeat, follow @transbaviaans on Instagram or like the Trans Baviaans 24HR MTB Race Facebook page. For more information, route files, and to read the 2024 Race or Supporter Guides, visit www.transbaviaans.co.za.