Big number expected at mountain bike series

WINDHOEK-SPORT REPORTER The Kia Mountain Bike Series 2013, which kicks off this Thursday and Friday with the Klein-Aus Vista Challenge, will have more than 120 participants. According to a media statement the riders have signed up for the popular two-stage event, taking place on a challenging and scenic track in the Aus Mountains, which is located between Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz. The riders have the option to compete in the full (132km/66km per day) or half-marathon (66 km/33 km per day) categories. Registration will take place tomorrow between 16:00 and 21:00 at the race office in the Kia gazebo. The stages are set to start at 7:30 in the parking area of the Desert Horse Inn at the Klein-Aus Vista Lodge. On both days prizes will be awarded to the top three riders of each category in the Castle beer tent at 15:30. Several lucky draw prizes are also going to be handed out. In the men's full marathon category, Mannie Heymans will try to defend his title. Last year the three-time Olympian covered the 110 m distance in five hours, 13 minutes and 37 seconds, to finish well ahead of second placed Piet Swiegers (5:37:53) and bronze medallist Frans-Anthonie Gerber (5:59:12). This time around, however, Belgian Jan Dams is tipped as the favourite to lift the trophy. At the prestigious Trans Andes Challenge 2012 in Chile, the Belgian won two stages and clinched third spot overall. In addition, KIA junior riders Martin Freyer and Michael Pretorius, as well as Marnus Verdoes, are eager to compete for top honours. The series will be continued with an event in Swakopmund on May 26, followed by the Otjiwa MTB Marathon a week later on June 2. KIA stages a total of four races and has put aside prize money amounting to N$25 000, which will be handed out to the top riders of the women's and men's competitions in the course of the season. The last competition of the series will be the Uris Mountain Bike Classic in Tsumeb on June 29.