SA’S CARELSEN COMPLETES HAT-TRICK

(At Mliwane Game Sanctuary)

LOBAMBA – He is now a specialist of the Nedbank Imvelo MTB Classic.

This is none other than South Africa’s Christo Carelsen, who was crowned the champion of the 65km race here yesterday, outclassing over 50 cyclists. He finished the new route on 3:13:31 hours according to the provisional results released yesterday. The Mopana Pharmacy cyclists based in Mpumalanga have won the last three editions of the annual race.

Making the country proud was Khemani Cycling Club cyclist Muzi Shabangu, who came second on 3:13:47 hours, while another South African in Klaas Meintjes made it to the podium after coming third on 3:16:11 hours.
The gruelling race had changed routes from the past edition with more challenges as it featured a lot of steep hills.
Carelsen said his dominance in the Nedbank Imvelo MTB race had been effected by the fact that he prioritised it over oth

er races. He said he enjoyed the race and he always worked hard at training ahead of it.
“This is among my top priority races and I’m enjoying winning here. Today (yesterday) I came knowing that the race will be more challenging due to the changed routes. I’m happy with my achievement and the other competitors have given me a tough time. I only got the better of them towards the end. It was good when we sprinted towards the end,” he said.

Shabangu, who is 19 years old, said he believed his performance in the mountain biking improved as he came fourth last year. Shabangu focuses on road races. He said his target was to win the race but Carelsen was too strong towards the end of the race.
“I was able to stay with the leading group and the route was more challenging this time around. I’m happy to be the first liSwati but I also want to be the first local cyclist to win the race as it has been dominated by international cyclists,” he said.

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