On Sunday, 17 November 2024, Coetzenburg Field in Stellenbosch came alive with excitement as mountain bikers showcased their wildest and most colorful outfits, in celebration of Dress Up Day (Stage 2) of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, fueled by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.
Stage 2 of the Marathon spanned 54km with 900m of climbing. It was flatter and faster than Stage 1 but included some technical sections and lung-busting climbs. For the first time, the spectacular Somerbosch Trails were featured, with the Faure Drop adding an adrenaline rush—riders were reminded to take in the views along the way.
Ursin Spesha (Switzerland) dominated Stage 2 of the Marathon. “Yesterday we were late at the start and had to start at the back,” says Spesha. “We stopped at the water points, and I had a flat tyre. So we just enjoyed all the trails, it was amazing. It was so much fun to race today. Stage 2 was flatter with more gravel roads. It was much better to race fast. The Savanna Origin of Trails is such a lovely event. It was amazing.”
Stage 1 winner Luyanda Thobigunya (Idas Valley) finished in 4th place on the day. “Today was really, really tough,” admitted a visibly exhausted Thobigunya. “There was no time to rest—the guys were pushing so hard, and it made things very challenging. The route was nice and flat, but we struggled to keep up with the pros. It was a tough day out there. The Savanna Origin of Trails is such a great adventure and an excellent event to train for next year.”
After two days of intense racing, Cobus Marais emerged victorious in the Men’s Marathon, claiming the top spot on the podium with a combined time of 04 hours 44 minutes 08 seconds. Luyanda Thobigunya secured second place, while Michael James rounded out the podium in third.
Andrea Schöfmann (Stellenbosch) claimed her second stage victory of the weekend with a strong performance. “The start of the stage was fast. I just had to stick with the men for as long as possible because riding in a group on a flat course really helps a lot,” says Schöfmann. “The section in Somerbosch was super twisty and turny. It was hard to find a rhythm. There was a lot of ‘turn and sprint’ out of corners. I had to be careful not to surge too much. Crossing the finish line first feels great and gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve had a bit of an off-season and started working with a new coach. It’s exciting to see the training paying off. I’m really happy. I like the Savanna Origin of Trails—there’s so much gees, and the people are always so much fun to ride with. It’s a really cool event.”
After two days of thrilling competition, Andrea Schöfmann took the top spot on the podium in the Women’s Marathon with a combined time of 05 hours 32 minutes 29 seconds. Nicola Rickli claimed second place, while Sarita Louw finished strong in third.
In the Ebike Category, Ralf Bochnig claimed the top spot on the podium in the Men’s Marathon in a combined time of 04 hours 19 minutes 01 seconds. Driko Venter came in second, while David Hogan finished third.
Berlize Pritchard took gold in the Women’s Ebike Category of the Marathon in a combined time of 04 hours 57 minutes 32 seconds. Wendy Coetzer came in second, while Linda Schaefer finished third.
Stage 2 of the Half Marathon covered 36km with a 600m ascent. It was flatter and smoother than Stage 1, featuring fun singletrack and climbs toward the end. Riders were offered the first chance to tackle the Somerbosch Trails.
Following two days of challenging trails, Tyron Walters emerged as the overall winner in the Men’s Half Marathon with a combined time of 04 hours 11 minutes 26 seconds. Jan Gerhard Cloete earned second place, with Pascal Sirrer completing the podium in third.
Nerine Walters secured first place in the Women’s Half Marathon after two fantastic days with a combined time of 04 hours 29 minutes 25 seconds. Wilmarie Bothma followed in second, and Lielie Kotze achieved a well-deserved third.
In the Ebike Category, Silas Valaults was victorious in the Men’s Half Marathon claiming gold in a combined time of 04 hours 45 minutes 09 seconds. Nico Strydom came in second, while Charles Rumbol finished third.
In the Women’s Ebike Category of the Half Marathon Dorette Nel took first place in a combined time of 04 hours 40 minutes 19 seconds. Sue Liell-Cock came in second, while Claudia Wright finished third.
“Celebrating 11 years of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience has been truly remarkable,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Event Founder. “This year’s event showcased some of the most exclusive, world-class trails that riders typically don’t have access to, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. We owe a huge thank you to our sponsors, the riders, and especially the landowners, whose generosity made it possible for us to share these incredible trails. Without their support and collaboration, none of this would be possible.”
“The 2024 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience was action packed from start to finish,” says Mathew Walton, Marketing Manager for Premium Ciders and FABs at HEINEKEN Beverages. “This event truly captured the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and fun that Savanna stands for, making it a memorable experience for riders and spectators alike. Seeing the energy on the trails and especially the enthusiasm for the dress-up challenge on Sunday was fantastic. We are proud to have been a part of SA’s MTB Party of the Year.”
Best Dressed Competition: The Dress Up Competition once again brought a buzz of excitement to the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, as event organizers sought to crown the “Best Dressed” riders of 2024 in both the male and female categories. With R20,000 in prize money up for grabs (R10,000 each) and 10 cases of Savanna per winner, the stakes were higher than ever. Vanessa Barry was crowed the best dressed female rider, while Tsidiso Motsoahae claimed the title of the most stylish male rider.
Charity Support: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF), a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) entirely funded by donations from local trail users and corporate sponsors. Since 2011, STF’s aim has been to create, improve and maintain hiking, biking and running trails in and around the Greater Stellenbosch.
