The 2016 Old Mutual joBerg2c kicked into race mode on a blustery day for riders. Day two of the Old Mutual joBerg2c is when the real racing starts at the nine-day, 900km event. After a neutral first day, riders crank into a higher gear for the 93km from Frankfort to Reitz, and for the remaining seven days.
Weather conditions on day one were near perfect for a casual meander through the countryside, but a stiff breeze greeted riders as they made their way out of the Frankfort race village on day two. It remained that way for much of the day, with the wind alternating between headwinds and crosswinds.
Not that the winners and second-placed team on day two noticed. Team Telkom’s Johann Rabie and Hendrik Kruger got into the racing spirit with a blistering ride, completing the stage in 3:16.41. Team NAD Pro MTB’s Nico Bell and GawieCombrinck were seconds behind Rabie and Kruger, having made a break with the pair early in the day.
With just 1 001m of climbing, the day could hardly be described as brutal. But the wide-open spaces offered little respite from the wind and the riding groups that typically form on the first two days of joBerg2c were constantly splintered.
Also battling the wind, but finishing just under an hour after the four elite riders was Old Mutual South Africa CEO Dave Macready and his teammate for the joBerg2c, former Irish rugby captain Dion O’ Cuinneagain. Both are making their joBerg2c debuts, and performing admirably while they’re at it.
Day three of the Old Mutual joBerg2c takes riders on a 122km journey from Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam. Highlights on the day include the Jabulani single-track along an idyllic river setting, as well as the climb and scintillating descent of Mt Paul. The day culminates with a 5km stretch along the Sterkfontein Dam wall, which is a superb way to end if there’s a tailwind blowing, but not much fun if it’s a headwind.
*Information supplied by joBerg2c
