Say Cheese! Ford Trailseeker #5 Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij was one for the books.

This past weekend, the fifth Ford Trailseeker mountain bike race of the 2024 season unfolded at the picturesque Van Gaalen Cheese Farm. Riders and spectators were treated to a perfect day of winter biking, ideal for navigating the diverse and scenic trails of this iconic trail park.

The event was marked by intense competition and impressive performances all around. Pyga Eurosteel dominated the men’s 70 km race, achieving a clean sweep by securing all three podium positions. The team’s riders Michael Foster, Jaedon Terlouw and Pieter du Toit showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, setting the bar for future races.

In the ladies’ 70 km race, Complete Cyclist’s Sarah Hill powered her way to a well-deserved first place, with Steph Wohlters and Nicolette Griffioen following in second and third.

And while the racing snakes owned the front end of the race, the rest of the field was having endless fun on the ever-exciting and popular Van Gaalen trails!

Race Results

70 km

Overall Men:

1 Michael Foster 02:31:14

2 Jaedon Terlouw 02:35:42

3 Pieter du Toit 02:35:42

Overall women:

1 Sarah Hill 03:05:34

2 Steph Wohlters 03:13:55

3 Nicolette Griffioen 03:18:42

Senior Men:

1 Michael Foster 02:31:14

2 Jaedon Terlouw 02:35:42

3 Pieter du Toit 02:35:42

Senior Women:

1 Karlise Scheepers 03:28:03

2 Anna Marx 03:51:23

3 Jade Skinner 03:59:51

Sub Vet Men:

1 Philip Buys 02:45:04

2 Jacobus Claasen 02:45:07

3 Philip Malan 02:56:02

Sub Vet Women:

1 Sarah Hill 03:05:34

2 Steph Wohlter 03:13:55

3 Nicolette Griffioen 03:18:42

Vet Men:

1 Jan Withaar 02:41:28

2 Johan Veldsman 02:45:07

3 Pieter van Heerden 03:05:30

Vet Women:

1 Adrienne MOOLMAN 03:24:54

2 Marisa VAN DER LINDE 03:31:48

3 Sanet COETZEE 03:36:33

Master Men:

1 Harry CHRISTOU 03:00:09

2 Patrice GAUTIER 03:06:28

3 Andrew MCLEAN 03:11:18

40 km

Youth Men:

1 Ivan HURTER 01:33:15

2 Luke LEGRANGE 01:36:18

3 Reuben JONKER 01:39:18

Youth Women:

1 Nika NORTJE 01:50:252

2 Allanah BARAC 02:00:193

3 Martinique TROLLIP 02:10:03

Junior Men:

1 Omar WILSON 01:27:10

2 Travis RADEMAN-LUDEKE 01:27:54

3 Lumardt PIENAAR 01:27:55

Junior Women:

1 Megan BOSHOFF 01:55:38

2 Bianca BOTHA 01:59:24

3 Adele DU PLESSIS 02:03:19

Master Women:

1 Yvonne PRINSLOO 02:02:18

2 Tandi PLANT 02:22:26

3 Marinda TILEY 02:31:12

Grand Master Men:

1 Nick BESTER 01:48:40

2 Donald KIRK 01:50:06

3 Glenn PRETORIUS 01:54:21

Grand Master Women:

1 Cheryll SMITH 02:21:38

2 Retha ROSSOUW 02:38:45

3 Gillian HEALEY 02:44:28

The post-race celebrations were vibey, with riders and supporters gathered at the stunning riverside venue to unwind and toast their rides with a cold drink and good food. Live music by Christian Baartman provided the perfect backdrop to an already spectacular day.

A wrap for the Gauteng Schools Series

The Gauteng Schools Series concluded on a high note at #5 Van Gaalen with Gauteng learners chasing those final points to grab that coveted cash prize generously offered by Ford!

Congratulations to these winning schools!

Overall, the fifth Ford Trailseeker race at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm was a resounding success. Perfect weather, challenging trails, and lively post-race entertainment made for an unforgettable day.

Congratulations to all the riders, especially the standout performers and a warm thank you to our loyal spectators and supporters who cheered on the riders.