Somerset West rider Cherise Willet was among many others who toughed out the gruelling +-60 km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon), which was held as part of the mountain-biking series at Root44 this past weekend. The local participant kicked dust in the eyes of competitors, clinching first place in the women’s race with a finishing time of 02:50:50. Hot on her heels were Hayley Preen (03:04:15), Lehane Oosthuizen (03:08:47), Hanlie Booyens (03:16:41) and Nikki Biesheuvel (03:18:03). Top 5 in the men’s challenge were: Luca Ruwiel placing first (2:22:30), Matthew Beers (2:22:35), Franko van Zyl (2:23:02), Jean-Pierre du Plessis (2:24:58) and Kusaselihle Ngidi (2:26:43). The men and women who clinched podium spots in the +-30 km MTB Challenge (Half Marathon) are: Deniel du Plessis (01:18:34), Ayola Noyakaza (01:35:41) and Peter Lumley (01:39:18), as well as Ilze Coetzee (01:44:09), Taryn Brown (01:56:39) and Lauren Coetzee (01:59:16). The 15 km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Fun Ride) winners are Xander Jacobs (00:47:35) and Edna Ytier (00:53:03).Photo: Chris Hitchcock