Pretoria, South Africa, 7 June – The third event of the 2025 Ford Trailseeker MTB Series unfolded on the outskirts of Pretoria this past weekend, where a record-breaking 2,500 riders descended on Die Bosveld for a day of racing and spirited community energy. The series’ return to this bushveld favourite marked the largest turnout since the COVID-19 pandemic, a resounding affirmation of mountain biking’s resurgence in South Africa.
The 10km, 20km, half marathon, and marathon distances brought riders of all ages and skill levels to the trails. At the sharp end of the action, all eyes were on Marco Joubert (Imbuko ChemChamp), now halfway to sweeping all six events and claiming the R1,000,000 performance bonus.
Joubert Goes Three for Three
The men’s race was explosive from the start, with attacks flying and the high pace throughout the race. Crashes, punctures, and determination shaped the front group as riders battled it out on route.
At the 44 km mark, Michael Foster (PYGA Eurosteel) took charge in the Ford Wildtrak segment, opening a slight lead before a fall forced him off the front. That opened the door for Jan Withaar (Insect Science) and Marco Joubert, who would go on to trade attacks for the remainder of the race.
But, it was the final stretch that provided the drama. Withaar and Joubert collided late in the race, a crash that allowed Jaedon Terlouw (PYGA Eurosteel) to snatch the lead until cramps in the final kilometres brought his charge to an abrupt end. “I was cramping too much to do anything with the opportunity, unfortunately,” said Terlouw. With no room for hesitation, Joubert and Withaar powered into a sprint finish. Joubert crossed the line in 2:28:39, just a millisecond clear of Withaar. Terlouw rounded off the podium in 2:28:46.
“Our tactic was to make it hard from the start.” Joubert said. “With the altitude, we can ride a hard steady tempo, but going hard and recovering would suit the other riders better.”
Tristan Nortje, Marco’s Imbuko ChemChamp teammate, suffered a puncture early on but managed to get back into the bunch, playing a vital support role for Marco. With the team clearly committed to the million-rand performance bonus, it’s all or nothing from here on.
Back-to-back Bosveld wins for Bianca
Bianca Haw (Safari Essence Titan Racing) cemented her dominance with back-to-back Die Bosveld victories, stopping the clock at 2:56:40. The reigning champion showcased her tactical prowess alongside returning teammate Danielle Strydom, with the pair capitalising when Sam Sanders (Efficient Insure) punctured at the challenging Rock to Crocs section.
The Safari Essence duo worked together, pushing the pace on the Quagga Climb to build a commanding 1:20 lead. Haw then delivered the decisive move with 20km remaining, attacking on an unexpected flat section. “The open flats really suited me today,” Haw noted after her win.
For Strydom, the race marked a successful return to racing. “It’s fantastic to be back racing at the front with the world’s best,” she said, crossing the line second in 2:57:26.
The podium was completed by Robyn de Groot (Infinity Efficient Insure) in 3:03:18. “The women’s field has stepped up another level,” observed de Groot. “I needed to pace myself and keep a solid tempo”.
A Day That Was Bigger Than Racing
Though the front of the field was defined by ambition and disappointment, Die Bosveld was, above all, a celebration. Riders of all ages and abilities took to the routes, from families riding together to weekend cyclists chasing personal victories. Off the bike, the venue was alive with food stalls, live music, dusty high-fives and bushveld camaraderie.
“Today was everything we hoped for and more,” said Race Director, Pieter Vorster. “To see 2,500 riders out here, from elite racers to families, all enjoying these beautiful trails together. This is the heart of our sport. The atmosphere, the camaraderie, it’s exactly what our community needed.”
Next Up: #4 Sondela
The 2025 series now turns its attention to the fourth event, Sondela on 28 June, where fresh trails and renewed rivalries await. With momentum building and stakes rising, the series is far from decided, but for Marco Joubert, the dream is very much alive.
Enter Sondela on 28 June here.
Results
Elite Men:
- Marco Joubert | 2:28:39
- Jan Withaar | 2:28:39
- Jaedon Terlouw | 2:28:46
Elite Women:
- Bianca Haw | 02:56:40
- Danielle du Toit | 02:57:26
- Robyn de Groot | 03:03:18
