Photo Epic: Hellsend Mates Race Summer Series, Rd 3, Helderberg Trails
New venue, new faces and a fresh slate for the Mates Race party.
December saw the Mates Race series brave the early summer heat and head to Helderberg Trails in Somerset West for a fresh challenge, in the form of a new (to the series) course, some fresh-faced competitors, and a looser than usual trail surface.
This was also the first time that the series headed to Somerset West, with help from The Hanger Bike Co, who doubled up as registration host, and last-minute repair guru’s. Thanks to Jonty and the boys for opening their doors and welcoming the series to their turf with open arms! Ahead of the race, the riders gathered in the parking lot of The Hanger Bike Co to collect their number boards, timing chips and pre-race banter, from the official commissaire and registration office – the tailgate of a bakkie.
Onto the racing. The nearly 50-strong field of all sorts of riders headed up the hill, towards a short descent named ‘Needles for Speed’, after Helderberg local and South African DH icon, Andrew Neethling. The track was mostly comprised of some short fast sections tied together with a plethora of berms and turns, and one or two jumps thrown in for good measure. The rather loose, ‘kitty litter’ surface turned a fairly simple lap into a bit of a gamble, grip levels leaving most riders guessing.
In theme with the season so far, the debate began to grow over who would triumph between the E-Bikers and the Under 18’s. However, the Men’s class was quietly looking hopeful, with Matt Lombardi, who left the Eeb at home, Alessio De Franchi who was keen for his first Mates Race of the year, and the elusive Piet Brummer. Would the Men’s class finally crack the top 10 overall for the first time this season?
The E-bikers were the first to have a go, and as expected, they delivered with quick and close times. Positions 5-10 in the E-Bike class were separated by a mere two seconds. Ahead of that hungry bunch in P4 was another Helderberg local and 2025 E-bike overall champion, Kyle Flanagan. Just under a second ahead in 3rd was the familiar Phillip Van Schalkwyk, who was 2 seconds off Chris Wagner in P2. Clearing the field by 1.3 seconds and just snatching the win from Wagner, was non other than Andrew Neethling, who dusted the cobwebs off of his World Cup race experience and went to work. Quick and easy P1, job well done.
That, however, was not all that she wrote. The Under 18’s may have missed out on the overall win, but still snuck onto the overall podium with Alessandro Lenisa, who put down a very respectable time of 1:52.3, roughly a tenth off P2 overall. 2nd to Alessandro in class was the always-charging Julian Oosthuizen, closely followed by Sven Etsebeth in P3.
Following Lenisa by a few thousandths on the same split, was Mr. Matt Lombardi, taking P4 overall and the win in the Men’s class. Just behind him was the local myth of Piet Brummer, who placed 5th overall and took P2 in Men’s. 3rd place went to trailbuilder Alessio (JAHBLESS) De Franchi, fresh off a European summer and scoring a podium in his first Mates Race in months.
Now for the Master’s class, in which the bragging rights seem to carry the most weight. It was yet again, a question of who, if anyone, would de-throne Peter Futter. The answer, again, was nobody. Pete continued his unbeaten (for who knows how long) streak, claiming first with a clean two seconds over Pieter Henning. A little futher back in P3 was Gert Goosen, taking his first Mates Race podium. Booyah!
The Women’s field was not suprisingly dominated by Frankie Du Toit, with a time of 2:03.7, which would have been good enough for P5 in the Men’s class. (Wildcard entry to Men’s next year?) Annemi Pfister was 2nd fastest Woman on the day, just 8 seconds off of Frankie, and incrementally closing the gap. Behind Annemi were the likes of Sune Henning and Alexia Oosthuizen, getting their Thursday evening speed going and having a jol.
After all the front wheel washing, impromptu driftage, and lung busting was done, it was onto the standard procedure of heading back to Hellsend Bike Shop for the prize-giving festivities, courtesy of ‘Uncles Craft’ this time, who were the event sponsor for this round of the season.
‘Uncles Craft’, is a brand dedicated to cultivating, supporting and collaborating with local brands, artists, and athletes to promote and spread their message. After a competition to see who could replace a chain link quickest, rider’s were treated to podium prizes from Uncles, as well as giveaway’s and discounts from season partners, Devil’s Peak Beer, Monster Energy, Pit Viper, and the beloved Gino’s Pizza.
This concluded the first half of the Mates Race Summer series, with an awesome evening at a new venue, with good racing and loads of summer stoke. The next round takes place on January 29th, in Stellenbosch. Get in touch with Hellsend Bike Shop via phone, email, or socials to get yourself registered, don’t miss out! //
| Words: Jordan De Goede | Images: Eric Palmer |