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Devon Baird does Ballito Proud

Devon Baird does Ballito Proud

Date: 2015-06-12
14 year-old Ballito teenager, Devon Baird, who placed second in the 18km MTB race at this year's Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge, was the top performing local athlete at this year's highly successful event.

The youngster - who says at least half the credit for his great performance has to go to "Coach Russ" at the Russell White Academy - completed the challenging ride in well under an hour (00:49:21).

For him, the highlights were some challenging rocky down hills as well as the floating bridge for which the event has become known. This exciting 60 metrelong floating bridge is positioned at water level and sinks slightly as riders enter it from the single track making for an unforgettable experience that feels a little like riding on water or even skimming across it.

Devon completed his first Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge in 2013. However, he says he only began competing in mountain biking competitions seriously last year. As he gets older, he says that the race in which he'd most like to earn a medal is the mammoth nine day Joberg2C.

Race organizer, Shanon MacKenzie, congratulated Devon on his achievement in a race that is now one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the KwaZulu-Natal mountain biking calendar. This is not just because it challenges ultra fit top athletes but also because it is designed to provide something for everyone - from seasoned riders who can tackle more rugged terrain as part of the 40km Husqvarna MTB Classic to less experienced riders and family and friends who can enjoy the 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience or the 10km Fun Ride.

The race, which has been sponsored by Husqvarna for five years, is not just a sporting event but an opportunity for lovers of the outdoors and biking enthusiasts to enjoy the beautiful scenery for which is known. The 40km MTB actually traverses two picturesque game reserves - the Gwahumbe Game & Spa and iNsingizi Game & Spa.

The Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run is a community event and all proceeds go to beneficiaries that include the Mid Illovo Club, Arden Farm School and Mid Illovo Conservancy. The money raised is used for the upliftment of the Mid-Illovo community.