The fourth event of the 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series took place on Saturday, 28 June, at Sondela Nature Reserve in Limpopo. Known for its flat and fast terrain, the venue set the stage for a day of tactical racing and close finishes across all categories, with over 2,400 participants taking part.
All-Out Racing from the Start
From the outset, the pace in the front group of the elite men’s race was aggressive. With limited elevation and no major climbs to split the field, their race became a tightly contested tactical battle fought at speed. The lead group stayed together for much of the 70-kilometre route, with riders pushing hard and racing on the limit.
After more than two hours of racing, it came down to a sprint finish. Johan de Villiers (Tshenolo Pro Cycling) claimed the win in 02:18:18, narrowly edging out Jaedon Terlouw (PYGA Eurosteel) and Arno du Toit (Insect Science). “Around 10 kilometres to go, our tactics came together perfectly. I felt strong, so I decided to make my move, and it paid off” shared de Villiers.
Meanwhile, Terlouw shared that he was hanging near the back of the group, “I was hanging onto the back for most of the day. I didn’t see the front until we came into the sprint finish. I tried to play it smart and it worked out decently.” Du Tout added insight into the Insect Science team’s strategy: “Our plan was to race tactically as a trio, push hard early, but save energy for the decisive second half of the race.”
Marco Joubert (Imbuko ChemChamp), who had won the first three events in the series and was in contention for the R1 million performance bonus awarded for a perfect season, was part of the lead group and looked set to contest the sprint. However, a puncture just four kilometres from the finish, ended his hopes for both the victory and the bonus.
“I was mentally ready for a sprint finish and feeling good in my legs. Unfortunately, my wheel started going flat at 4km out. I hoped it would hold, but by 2km I couldn’t keep the pace. Tristan swapped wheels with me, but it was over from there,” Joubert said.
Photo credits: Arnon George van der Spuy
Strong Debut for Vera Looser
The women’s elite race featured a competitive field, with African Continental Champion Vera Looser (Efficient Insure) making her 2025 Ford Trailseeker debut. The early pace was high, with a large lead group staying together until around the 20km mark, when Looser made her move and rode away solo.
“It’s a hard route because you never really recover,” Looser said. “There are no real downhills, and the flats are tough with the sand and headwind.” Looser powered through the remaining 50km on her own, maintaining her lead and crossing the line in 02:35:31.
Bianca Haw (Safari Essence Titan Racing), the current series leader, delivered another consistent ride to finish second in 02:37:53, holding onto her lead in the overall standings. Behind her, the battle for third played out in the final kilometre, with Danielle du Toit (Safari Essence Titan Racing) just edging ahead of Sam Sanders (Efficient Insure) in a closely fought sprint. “It was a super fast day out,” du Toit said. “It was quick, but luckily I had just enough in the tank to get ahead in the end.”
With strong rides across the board and two events remaining, the women’s series is shaping up for a thrilling conclusion.
Photo credits: Arnon George van der Spuy
Sondela Had It All
While the front of the race delivered thrilling head-to-head battles, the energy extended well beyond the elite racing. With over 2,400 riders taking part across all distances, the day showcased the Ford Trailseeker Series’ unique ability to bring together top-tier competition and a welcoming ride experience for all levels. From first-time finishers to elite athletes, Sondela offered fast, flowing trails and a vibrant bushveld setting that made for an unforgettable day on the bike.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day at Sondela,” said Race Director Pieter Vorster. “The turnout was fantastic, the racing was tight, and the atmosphere throughout the venue was something special. It’s always rewarding to see riders of all levels enjoying the trails, that’s the heart of what this series is about.”
Looking Ahead
With just two events remaining in the 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series, the racing is only set to intensify. Riders now turn their attention to #5 Van Gaalen on 26 July, where the penultimate round will further shape the overall standings.
Enter Van Gaalen on 26 July here.
Results
Elite Men:
- Johan de Villiers | 2:18:18
- Jaedon Terlouw | 2:18:18
- Arno du Toit | 2:18:18
Elite Women:
- Vera Looser | 02:35:31
- Bianca Haw | 02:37:53
- Danielle du Toit | 02:42:32
