From the outset, the pace in the front group of the elite men\u2019s race was aggressive. With
\nlimited elevation and no major climbs to split the field, their race became a tightly contested
\ntactical battle fought at speed. The lead group stayed together for much of the 70-kilometre
\nroute, with riders pushing hard and racing on the limit.<\/p>\n
After more than two hours of racing, it came down to a sprint finish. Johan de Villiers
\n(Tshenolo Pro Cycling) claimed the win in 02:18:18, narrowly edging out Jaedon Terlouw
\n(PYGA Eurosteel) and Arno du Toit (Insect Science).<\/p>\n
\u201cAround 10 kilometres to go, our tactics came together perfectly. I felt strong, so I decided to
\nmake my move, and it paid off\u201d shared de Villiers.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Terlouw shared that he was hanging near the back of the group, \u201cI was hanging
\nonto the back for most of the day. I didn\u2019t see the front until we came into the sprint finish. I
\ntried to play it smart and it worked out decently.\u201d<\/p>\n
Du Tout added insight into the Insect Science team\u2019s strategy: \u201cOur plan was to race
\ntactically as a trio, push hard early, but save energy for the decisive second half of the race.\u201d
\nMarco Joubert (Imbuko ChemChamp), who had won the first three events in the series and
\nwas in contention for the R1 million performance bonus awarded for a perfect season, was
\npart of the lead group and looked set to contest the sprint. However, a puncture just four
\nkilometres from the finish, ended his hopes for both the victory and the bonus.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was mentally ready for a sprint finish and feeling good in my legs. Unfortunately, my wheel
\nstarted going flat at 4km out. I hoped it would hold, but by 2km I couldn\u2019t keep the pace.
\nTristan swapped wheels with me, but it was over from there,\u201d Joubert said.<\/p>\n
Strong Debut for Vera Looser<\/strong> \u201cIt\u2019s a hard route because you never really recover,\u201d Looser said. \u201cThere are no real With strong rides across the board and two events remaining, the women\u2019s series is shaping Sondela Had It All<\/strong><\/p>\n While the front of the race delivered thrilling head-to-head battles, the energy extended well \u201cWe couldn\u2019t have asked for a better day at Sondela,\u201d said Race Director Pieter Vorster. \u201cThe Looking Ahead<\/strong> Results<\/strong>
\nThe women\u2019s elite race featured a competitive field, with African Continental Champion Vera
\nLooser (Efficient Insure) making her 2025 Ford Trailseeker debut. The early pace was high,
\nwith a large lead group staying together until around the 20km mark, when Looser made her
\nmove and rode away solo.<\/p>\n
\ndownhills, and the flats are tough with the sand and headwind.\u201d Looser powered through the
\nremaining 50km on her own, maintaining her lead and crossing the line in 02:35:31.
\nBianca Haw (Safari Essence Titan Racing), the current series leader, delivered another
\nconsistent ride to finish second in 02:37:53, holding onto her lead in the overall standings.
\nBehind her, the battle for third played out in the final kilometre, with Danielle du Toit (Safari
\nEssence Titan Racing) just edging ahead of Sam Sanders (Efficient Insure) in a closely
\nfought sprint. \u201cIt was a super fast day out,\u201d du Toit said. \u201cIt was quick, but luckily I had just
\nenough in the tank to get ahead in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nup for a thrilling conclusion.<\/p>\n
\nbeyond the elite racing. With over 2,400 riders taking part across all distances, the day
\nshowcased the Ford Trailseeker Series\u2019 unique ability to bring together top-tier competition
\nand a welcoming ride experience for all levels. From first-time finishers to elite athletes,
\nSondela offered fast, flowing trails and a vibrant bushveld setting that made for an
\nunforgettable day on the bike.<\/p>\n
\nturnout was fantastic, the racing was tight, and the atmosphere throughout the venue was
\nsomething special. It\u2019s always rewarding to see riders of all levels enjoying the trails, that\u2019s
\nthe heart of what this series is about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWith just two events remaining in the 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series, the racing is only set to
\nintensify. Riders now turn their attention to #5 Van Gaalen on 26 July, where the penultimate
\nround will further shape the overall standings.<\/p>\n
\nElite Men:
\n1. Johan de Villiers | 2:18:18
\n2. Jaedon Terlouw | 2:18:18
\n3. Arno du Toit | 2:18:18
\nElite Women:
\n1. Vera Looser | 02:35:31
\n2. Bianca Haw | 02:37:53
\n3. Danielle du Toit | 02:42:32<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"