THE HISTORY
2005
901km | 16 020m
A field of 840 riders left Knysna in pouring rain to puddle-dodge through fynbos and forest to George . Day 2 , one of the longest stages for years , included some fun tracks in the Outeniqua foothills – but there was no getting away from the fact that Herbertsdale was 144km away . Many amateurs had never ridden this far on a mountain bike ! The toughest technical tests were in Grootvadersbosch and on the rugged tracks through Sanbona Nature Reserve , while the Grand Finale through Jonkershoek saw riders work hard for their finisher medals . The race was also gaining an international reputation . Former world champions and Olympic medallists Bart Brentjens of The Netherlands ( who took a commanding win with Belgian Roel Paulissen ) and Christoph Sauser of Switzerland ( second with Fredrik Kessiakoff ) were in the field for the first time . In the women ’ s race , another legend was taking shape as Hannele Steyn ( one of the race ’ s famous Last Lions ) won with Zoe Frost .
14 | MTB | 20 YEARS UNTAMED