Press Release – 2019 Stanford MTB Classic
Race Report
Headline: The Tennents Reign Supreme at the Stanford MTB Classic
Husband and wife, James and Lara Tennent reigned supreme at the 2019 Stanford MTB Classic – which took place from the Stanford Valley Farm on the 16thand 17thof February. The pair may have claimed comfortable victories but the local community should really be considered the winner as the entire field was treated to a superb weekend of riding in the Overberg.
The relaxed village of Stanford is perhaps better known for its craft beer, wine farms and quiet English Countryside feel than it is for mountain biking. It is unsurprising then that when mountain bike stage racing comes to town that the majority of the field is geared to soaking up the laid back atmosphere, rather than racing through the spectacular scenery. That said, whenever bicycles are ridden there has to be a race and the Tennents did not let winning affect their ability to have a good time at the Stanford MTB Classic either.
“It was a very well organised event and the food in particular was outstanding” James Tennent enthused. “The venue, at Stanford Valley, was great; the portable showers and ample parking on site made it stress free. Plus the route was thoroughly enjoyable, especially the smooth fast singletrack sections.”
Tennent’s praise for the route will please route director Andries de Villiers; and the local land owners who graciously granted permission for their farms to be traversed by mountain bikers for the two days. In excess of 35 private properties were crossed in the 105 kilometres of riding which highlights the exceptional community involvement in the event. Their assistance in creating a memorable weekend for all did not end there however, Coia de Villiers, marshalled the much praised water points while Elsabe de Villiers and Reinder Nauta – of Stanford Valley – hosted and fed the ravenous mountain bikers to the aforementioned glowing praise. All-told the community and Overberg MTB Events provided a timely reminder that just over the mountain from Cape Town lies an exceptional adventure playground.
2019 Stanford MTB Classic Results
Men:
- James Tennent (03:59:50)
- Gys Malan (04:13:36)
- Michel de Clippel (04:33:21)
Women:
- Lara Tennent (04:48:14)
- Michelle Lombardi (04:59:09)
- Ingrid Talbot (05:11:09)
~ ENDS ~
