Ziandro Jordaan, Luyanda Tobigunya, Ethan Michaels, Kusaselihle (Lihle) Ngidi, Kwazi Mbhamali, Winile Majavu, and Yomelela Mfwazwe took to the hills again, competing in the Imbuko Big 5 MTB Challenge in Wellington.

The Fairtree DP World Cannondale team participated in the “monster” race on Saturday 21 February. In the unique challenge riders endure a total ascent of 3 000 m over 75 km, making it the ultimate one-day event to test their strength and fitness weeks before the Absa Cape Epic.

The Stellenbosch team did brilliantly with most finishing in the top 50 in one of the toughest one-day events in the country, which featured a star-studded professional field. The team’s top-five riders improved their times by 15 minutes or more compared to last year, which illustrates their amazing progress.

With the Epic starting on Sunday 15 March, the riders’ performance in Wellington is a great result.

Jordaan ended 30th overall in a time of 4:26:17; Tobigunya was right behind him with a time of 4:26:48 (31st); Michaels crossed the finish line in 4:34:19 (38th); and Mfwazwe was the 30th rider over the finish line in the women’s division.

The rest of the team results: Ngidi ended 49th with a time of 4:46:43 and Mbhamali took the 77th place (5:13:41). Majavu did not finish.

“These excellent results give us a great base going into the Cape Epic and the teams are performing extremely well,” said team manager Chris Norton. “There will be some individual sessions with riders to try and improve on times and race strategy. The Imbuko race is not only tough, but also attracts a powerful field of riders, including most of the pros taking part in the Cape Epic. The team’s results are incredible, considering both these factors and we’re looking forward to watching them perform as teams.”