As the gaggle of riders hit the lower levels of the main climb of the day, with over 1,000 feet of relentless grind ahead for the next 30 minutes, Chris Potgieter let out a cry which both surprised and worried the riders around him. Turning to Potgieter, his adversaries expected to see a man in great pain sprawled over the hillside, but instead the smiling eyes of the South African cruised past his challengers. Photo: Provided

As the ferry left the dock at Trellis Bay, those keen enough to rise with the birdies and board on time were somewhat surprised, if not a little relieved, to see that Justin ‘Kiwi Warrior’ Smit, current rankings leader, was not on board. ‘Get in’ as Alistair Abrehart put it, as the thought of gaining a podium place for the first time this season seemed a real possibility.

Top riders also failing to meet the cast off time were ‘Dangerous’ Dave Pettigrew, Caroline ‘Iron Lady’ Pettigrew and Chris ‘Pottz’ Potgieter, who everyone assumed had chucked another sicky and bailed like a big girls blouse. Other worthy riders not making an appearance were Peter ‘Wheeler Dealer’ Sorrentino and John ‘Hot’ Ayres.

Still on the injury list was Tim ‘Hotshot’ Clipstone and Peebles regular Adrian ‘Spanner’ Dale. An interview with the Hotshot earlier in the week suggested a comeback in the not too distant future, although Dale is still on the ‘unlikely to be on a bike’ list for some time, barring a breakthrough in medical science in the coming weeks.

As the ferry pulled into Spanish Town and the riders dis-embarked the increase in temperature was already apparent, which prompted riders to stock up on fluids necessary if they were going to make the course in any fit state and within a reasonable time. Despite this the feelings within the MTB camp were high, and then the bombshell dropped, as both Smit and Sicknote Potgieter rolled around the corner all prepped for the race to come.

The race is on

Jim Cullimore set the early pace and blistered into the lead, but this was not to last as Smit rolled past with the irrepressible Abrehart in hot pursuit, followed closely by SkyWalker, Pottz, and Aussie pin up boy, Shane Donovan. Further behind were Cullimore, Lauren ‘The Tower’ Blok, Rusty ’Nails’ Burns and Mike ‘Jedi’ Masters, still in shouting distance.

The first mile of the race saw the powerful Smit and the determined Abrehart climb away from the pack. Moving into the ascent from Savannah Bay the early leaders were Smit in front, who had by now developed a big lead, with Abrehart chasing and SkyWalker, Potgieter, Virgin Gorda’s own Angel George holding their own just behind with Donovan shadowing.

Then, a surge from George as he broke away from both Walker and Potgieter and powered up the climb to beat his challengers to the descent in an attempt to gain some clear space and catch Abrehart, currently in second. This tactic appeared to work as he raced down the hill to the turnoff to Nail Bay, bringing Abrehart’s rump into view. This sight, understandably, urged George to push harder to overtake Abrehart and cruise into second, leaving both SkyWalker, Potgieter and the Aussie pin up Donovan to join Abrehart for what was to become a momentous slog and scrap for third as the dreaded ascent up to Gorda Peak loomed closer.

As the gaggle of riders hit the lower levels of the main climb of the day, with over 1,000 feet of relentless grind ahead for the next 30 minutes, Potgieter let out a cry which both surprised and worried the riders around him. Turning to Potgieter, his adversaries expected to see a man in great pain sprawled over the hillside, but instead the smiling eyes of the South African cruised past his challengers.

Now with Potgieter, Abrehart and Skywalker locked in wheeled combat the fight continued until, as in past races, Abrehart faded to leave Potgieter and Skywalker to push through and on to Hogs Heaven. Abrehart was now faced with a life or death struggle with Donovan for the spoils of 5^th. As Hogs Heaven came into view, third place SkyWalker allowed himself to look over his shoulder expecting to see Potgieter on his tail, but was surprised to see he too had gone the way of Abrehart and had now resorted to walking. Clearly Potgieter, with all his war cries, was no match for the steely, stealth like determination of SkyWalker who now saw a third place podium on the cards with the only obstacle between him and his prize being the death defying descent back to Spanish Town. Potgieter was broken, Abrehart was punching it out for 5^th with Donovan and the other racers were fighting it out on the big climb.

Yet, Potgieter was not broken. Still armed with the Zulu spirit he took the descent like a madman, hitting speeds of up to 77kmph (Garmin verified) on the way down from Gorda Peak in an attempt to close the gap on SkyWalker. This he achieved on the climb to Savannah, taking his adversary totally by surprise. The race was back on. Locked by the horns, the two stags battered away at each other, drawing on every last ounce of energy in an attempt to defeat the other. Then the inevitable came, in true Highlander style, there can be only one! Out of the fog of war came the victor of this particular battle, SkyWalker pushed through to leave Potgieter, once again, wanting.

For the third time this season we saw a dominant Smit taking the chequered flag in a super impressive time. Angel George followed several minutes behind to take a great second with Walker taking third, Potgieter fourth, Abrehart fifth and Donovan sixth.

A full breakdown of placings and times are shown below.        

1.)    Smit                                1: 07

2.)    George                             1:14

3.)    Walker                              1:19

4.)    Potgieter                             1:20

5.)    Abrehart                              1:23

6.)    Donovan                              1:25

7.)    Blok                                     1:34

8.)    Burns                                    1:34

9.)    Cullimore                             1:40

10.) Caroline Pettigrew                  1:43

11.) Masters                                1:55

The Juniors race saw some tight racing on a shortened version of the adult race, which is by no means a doddle. The big guns of the Pettigrew clan saw a big match fixture against the son of Mr BVI MTB, John Cullimore. On this occasion we saw Cullimore take the spoils with Derek following literally just behind after a sprint finish in second and John Pettigrew in third.

The cadets race, overseen by Gareth ‘G-Unit’ Thomas, was taken out to the Coppermine. However, Hardman Thomas took the racers on a tour of Spanish Town before the race which resulted in some very tired bodies on the start line. Despite this the racing was fierce and saw a close finish with Alex crossing in pole, with Johan in second and Tia in third. Well done to all the cadets for taking the Thomas warn up.

Next race is  Sunday May 17, 2015, the East End Torture.